1123–1328 Byzantine/Hungarian Billon Cup Coins 2-pc Set

Bronze Cup Coins From The Middle Ages

This two-piece set consists of a pair of coins that are hundreds of years old, with religious imagery indicative of the society of the Middle Ages. The coins also exhibit a unique cupped shape which makes them quite special in the context of history, while the designs appear more primitive than the much earlier Roman designs. During this time, religious fervor took over the cultures of the Mediterranean, and scientific advancements were sometimes seen as heresy. Although the Byzantines would still stamp their rulers onto their currency, Hungary’s coins had switched to religious imagery.

Hungary And The Byzantine Empire

At its apex, the Roman Empire encompassed more than 3 million square miles of territory, stretching from the island of Britain all the way to the shores of the Caspian Sea and the Persian Gulf. By the year 285, however, the Empire had become so vast that it was no longer feasible to govern it from the central seat of Rome. Thus, Emperor Diocletian divided the empire into the Western Empire governed by Rome and the Eastern Empire governed out of Byzantium (later Constantinople). The Western Empire eventually collapsed in the 5th century, A.D. after Rome was overrun by barbarian hordes marking the end of the Ancient world and the beginning of the Middle Ages. The fall of Rome left just the Eastern or Byzantine Empire as the last remnant of the once-splendorous Roman legacy. But what a remnant! The Byzantine Empire would stand for another thousand years before it, too, finally fell prey to foreign invaders in the 15th Century.

The Byzantine Empire has also been referred to as the Christian Roman Empire due to the presence of Christian iconography that was depicted everywhere across the empire from frescoed walls and golden domes to the coins that circulated in daily commerce. Now you can step back in time and feel as if you were in a central European or Balkan marketplace of the High Middle Ages thanks to these billion coins minted between 1123 and 1328. During this time, Hungary was subservient to the Byzantine Empire, especially following The Battle of Sirmium fought in 1167 that saw the Byzantines score a decisive victory over the Hungarians and forced them to recognize the Byzantine Empire’s control over much of the area as well as pay tribute and supply troops when requested.

Verified As Genuine By The American Numismatic Association

Both billion coins have been verified as genuine by Robin Danziger of the American Numismatic Association. One coin is a bronze Aspron Trachea Billlon coin struck by the Byzantine Empire between 1123 and 1328 and features a variety of religious portraits and imperial figures. The second coin is a copper Follis struck by the Kingdom of Hungary between 1172 and 1196 and features the Virgin Mary holding a scepter. The reverse shows seated images of either King Bela III or Stephan IV holding an orb and scepter. The coins will come beautifully housed in a presentation case along with a fact-filled storycard. Dates and images will vary. Secure your 1123–1328 Byzantine/Hungarian Billon Cup Coins Two-Piece Set now!