2020-06-06 Sat

Constantine VII Porphyrogenitus was the fourth Emperor of the Macedonian dynasty of the Byzantine Empire, reigning from 913 to 959. He was the son of the emperor Leo VI and his fourth wife, Zoe.

Today on 6th June in the year 913, Constantine VII becomes the nominal ruler of the Byzantine Empire, under the regency of a seven-man council headed by Patriarch Nicholas Mystikos, appointed by his uncle Alexander III on his deathbed. Most of his reign was dominated by co-regents: from 913 until 919 he was under the regency of his mother, while from 920 until 945 he shared the throne with Romanos Lekapenos.

Constantine VII is known for his prolific writing and as a sponsor of literature and the arts. His writings are one of the best sources of information on the Byzantine Empire and neighboring areas. The emperor’s reign was a successful one and included notable victories against the Arabs in Mesopotamia.

During his reign gold, silver, and copper issued from Constantinople and Cherson mint. Depicted here is a Follis Issued under his reign from Constantinople mint. The obverse of a coin depicts the Crowned facing busts of Constantine, wearing loros, and Zoe, wearing chlamys, holding patriarchal cross between them. On the other hand, the reverse of a coin has a legend in five lines.

Image Source: Heritage Auctions