Constantine IX Monomachus Gold Tetarteron Nomisma

Gold tetarteron nomisma of Constantine IX Monomachus, struck at Constantinople. Obverse: Facing bust of Christ Pantokrator with cruciform nimbus, raising right hand in blessing and holding book of Gospels, legend +IhS XIS RЄX RЄϚNANTIhM (Jesus Christ, King of Kings). Reverse: Crowned facing bust of Constantine IX wearing jeweled chlamys, holding labarum (military standard) in right hand and globus cruciger (cross-topped orb) in left, legend +CwhS-AhT-hOS ILЄ m. The tetarteron was a reduced-weight gold coin introduced during this period. References: DOC 6; Sear Byzantine 1833.