Miliaresion of Romanos III

Abstract

The obverse of this coin depicts a full-length, standing portrait of the Virgin turned slightly to the right. She is nimbate (haloed) and wearing a tunic and maphorion (veil). The Virgin also stands on a dais. In her left arm she is holding the infant Christ, who raises his right hand in the benediction. The infant holds a scroll in his left hand. The Virgin’s right hand rests on her breast. The figures are surrounded by an inscription of Greek letters and a decorative border. The reverse of this coin depicts a full-length portrait of the emperor Romanos III standing on a round cushion, bearded, wearing a crown with a cross and pendilia (gemmed pendants). He also wears a modified loros (long decorated scarf). In his right hand, Romanos holds a long patriarchal cross, and in his left hand, a globe surmounted by a cross. The same decorative border as on the obverse encircles him. Sonia Suben 2025https://digital.kenyon.edu/arthistorystudycollection/2711/thumbnail.jp