CONSTANTINE VII, 913-959. AV Medallic Bulla of 4 Solidi Weight (17.73 gms), ca. 945. Constantinople Mint. NGC VF★, Strike: 5/5 Surface: 2/5. Fine Style. Pierced.
Obverse: + ЄMMANOVHΛ +, facing bust of Christ Pantrokrator; barred IC-XC across field; Reverse: + KꞶNCTANT' AVTOKPAT', facing bust of Constantine, wearing loros and crown with pendilia, and holding globus surmounted by patriarchal cross. Lightly toned and with only an even degree of handling across the high points, this specimen no doubt stands as a monumental RARITY within the Byzantine series, as it represents one of just a small handful of such gold bullae (χρυσόβουλλο in the original Greek) still held privately and not housed within museums or Orthodox monasteries. A survey of public auctions over the last two-plus decades reveals very few instances of these gold bullae within the market, with only a few at the weight of one solidus as well as a few at the weight of two solidi crossing the auction block. For those at the weight of three of even four solidi, like the present specimen, no other records outside of this piece could be located. It is also worth noting that the observed piercing on this example should not be considered damage, in that it very likely indicates the presentation nature of the piece. Comparing to other such smaller gold bullae, it features a far superior mode of manufacture and centering, without the typical edge damage. As such, given the attractive, well made nature, along with its IMMENSELY RARE status and degree of importance, it should be considered one of the most desirable examples of the period, whether numismatic or sigillographic. Bullae were the seals by which official documents within the expansive bureaucracy of the Byzantine Empire were packaged, the seal conveying the identification of the issuing bureaucrat. In the case of the emperor, his portrait, along with those of his immediate family members, was often included on one side--far different from the largely text-based bullae of other lesser officials. In select instances, communiques or decrees from the emperor were so important that they were accordingly affixed not with a bullae in lead, but instead in gold. Such is the origin of the term "golden bull" as an important announcement for the empire and for the realms beyond. When the correspondence involved another dignitary, the accompanying bulla was issued to the weight of various solidi. For example, most dignitaries within the empire, along with a few outside of it, such as the Bishop of Rome, received gold seals set to the weight of one solidus (approximately 4.54g). A seal equivalent to the weight of two solidi would be sent to the Archon of Russia, Kings of Georgia, Emirs of North Africa, and many other sovereigns of similar rank. Seals of three solidi weight were presented to the Patriarchs of Alexandria, Antioch, and Jerusalem, whereas the highest weight, those of four solidi (like the present example), were reserved for the most important heads of state, such as the Caliph of Baghdad and the Sultan of Egypt. Interestingly, though the obverse presents a legend referring to Christ Emmanuel (the icon of a youthful Christ), it instead features a depiction more akin to that of Christ Pantokrator, given the obvious beard which he is sporting.
From the Dr. Michael Rogers Collection, Part III.

Estimate: $30000.00- $50000.00