Constantine IX Monomachus (AD 1042-1055). AV histamenon nomisma (26mm, 4.38 gm, 6h). NGC Choice XF 5/5 - 2/5, scratches, edge crimps. Constantinople. AD 1054-1055 +IHS XIS RЄX RЄGhANTIhm, facing bust of Christ Pantocrator, with cruciform nimbus, holding book of Gospels in left arm / + CΩhSTAhT-hOS bASILЄЧS Rm, bust facing, wearing crown and chlamys, holding sword and globus cruciger; flanked by two eight-pointed stars in right and left fields, a third star on his breastplate. Sear 1831. DOC 4a. Very rare type. The large stars which appear in the reverse fields flanking the Emperor's image, and on his breastplate, have been explained as a reference to the great supernova of July, AD 1054, an event recorded by Chinese and Japanese astronomers. The spectacular stellar explosion created the Crab Nebula, which can still be seen in the constellation Taurus, as well as the rapidly rotating neutron star, or pulsar, at its center. This theory has been challenged, but no other convincing explanation has been put forth for the stellar decorations on this rare issue. HID09801242017 © 2024 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved

To the auctioneer's website