The Byzantine Empire spanned for nearly 1000 years, or more depending on where you start. Some numismatists mark the beginning at 330 AD, when Constantine the Great moved the capital of the Roman Empire from Rome to Constantinople. Others use the death of Zeno and the reign of Anastasius I in April 491 to signify the official transformation. Even the name “Byzantine” is still not universally accepted – some preferring the term “Romaion” instead. The empire fell with Constantine XI Palaeologus, on May 29, 1453, when the Ottoman Empire laid siege to Constantinople. Here is a selection of Byzantine coins we have available, representing eight of the main periods.
Our selection of coins:
