Romanus III Argyrus. 1028-1034. AR Miliaresion (26mm, 2.65 g, 6h). Small module. Constantinople mint. Struck 1030(?).

Triton XXIV
Lot: 1194. Estimated: $ 2 000

Byzantine, Coin-in-Hand Video, Silver

Sold For $ 7 500. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

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Romanus III Argyrus. 1028-1034. AR Miliaresion (26mm, 2.65 g, 6h). Small module. Constantinople mint. Struck 1030(?). + ΠΑΡΘЄΝЄ CΟΙ ΠΟΛVΑΙΝЄ (in you, Virgin much-praised), the Theotokos Hodegetria standing facing on daïs, holding Holy Infant; triple linear circular border with eight spaced pellets; M and Θ, each with macron above, across field / ΟC ΗΛΠΙΚЄ ΠΑΝ ΤΑ ΚΑΤΟPΘΟΙ ( [he] who has hoped, all things may set upright), Romanus, crowned and wearing loros, standing facing on daïs, holding long patriarchal cross and patriarchal cross on globus; triple linear circular border with eight spaced pellets. DOC (3b.1) = ANS Inv. 1030.1963.38.1; SB 1822. Toned, scratches, flan crack. Good VF. Very rare.

The depiction of the Virgin and Child comes from an icon known as the Virgin Hodegetria, in the Hodegon monastery in Constantinople, which was alleged to have been painted by St. Luke himself. The complete metrical legend reads "In you, Virgin much-praised, [he] who has hoped, all things may set upright.” Romanus had good reasons to ask for Mary’s protection at this time: he launched a disastrous offensive against the Zengids in 1030, in which the numerically-superior Byzantines were thrown into disarray by a small group of opponents. In thanksgiving for his deliverance from this defeat, Romanus built the church of St. Mary Peribleptos in her honour. Romanus had also been having long-standing difficulties with his wife Zoe Porphyrogenita, the daughter of his predecessor Constantine VIII, which had begun when the couple were unable to conceive due to their advanced ages. Both Romanus and Zoe took lovers, and historians claim that Zoe poisoned Romanus and later had him killed in his bath in order to put her lover, the future Michael IV, on the throne.

The final winners of all Triton XXIV lots will be determined during the live online sale that will be held on 19-20 January 2021. This lot is in Session Four, which begins 20 January 2021 at 2 PM ET.

Winning bids are subject to a 20% buyer's fee for bids placed on this website and 22.50% for all others.

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