Nicephorus II, histamenon nomisma, 963 – 969, gold, Constantinople.‌A new exhibition, now open at the Hunterian Museum, reveals the fascinating coinage of the Byzantine Empire.

Byzantium: A Golden Age of Coinage, is the first exhibition of its kind at The Hunterian and showcases over 150 rare gold, silver and base metal coins from the Byzantine era (4th – 5th centuries CE).

The exhibition tells the story of this turbulent period through its coinage, examining its origins, religion, conflicts, decline and legacy.

For a thousand years, the Byzantine Empire dominated the eastern Mediterranean. Centred on the capital of Constantinople, it was a beacon of Roman power, Greek influence and Christian worship, which spanned the ancient and medieval worlds.

A succession of emperors and empresses directed civil, military and religious affairs within ever shifting borders. Coins bearing their images were struck at mints across the Empire, and the exhibition includes a number of examples, reflecting dramatic periods of history and a golden era of coinage from an extraordinary civilisation.

A huge variety of gold and base metal denominations were produced by Byzantine mints. Silver was less common. Gold underpinned the Byzantine economy, trade and taxation, with the solidus and histamenon nomisma maintaining their weight and fineness almost continuously until the early 11th century. These coins became the dominant currency not only within the borders of the empire, but also in neighbouring territories.

All of the items on display come from The Hunterian coin collection, which is considered one of the best in the world.

Byzantium: A Golden Age of Coinage is at the Hunterian Museum until 21 May 2019. Admission is free.

The Hunterian Museum
University of Glasgow
Gilbert Scott Building
Glasgow G12 8QQ

Open Tuesday – Saturday 10.00am – 5.00pm and Sunday 11.00am – 4.00pm
Admission free

Image: Nicephorus II, histamenon nomisma, 963 – 969, gold, Constantinople.

First published: 1 January 2019

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