John II Comnenus (reigned 1118-1143) is represented on this exceptionally struck gold Hyperpyron that reflects the waning grandeur of early 12-th century Byzantium. John II was also known as “John the Beautiful” or “John the Good” and had a relatively long rule. He was eldest son of Emperor Alexios I and the second ruler of the Komnenian restoration. John is known to be the greatest Komnenian emperor making alliances with the Holy Roman Empire and defeating the Pechenegs, Hungarians and Serbs in the Balkans, and led numerous campaigns against the Turks. These efforts restored massive power to the Byzantine Empire and led to a mass recovery in population to about 10 million people.
The obverse features a depiction of Christ seated on a backless throne wearing nimbus cruciger, raising right hand in benediction and holding gospels in left arm. The reverse shows John on the left wearing a crown and loros with mappa in right hand. Virgin on the right with left hand raised in benediction and both holding a patriarchal cross between them. Gorgeous uncirculated example with strong eye appeal and an exceptional strike.
John II Comnenus (reigned 1118-1143) is represented on this exceptionally struck gold Hyperpyron that reflects the waning grandeur of early 12-th century Byzantium. John II was also known as “John the Beautiful” or “John the Good” and had a relatively long rule. He was eldest son of Emperor Alexios I and the second ruler of the Komnenian restoration. John is known to be the greatest Komnenian emperor making alliances with the Holy Roman Empire and defeating the Pechenegs, Hungarians and Serbs in the Balkans, and led numerous campaigns against the Turks. These efforts restored massive power to the Byzantine Empire and led to a mass recovery in population to about 10 million people.
The obverse features a depiction of Christ seated on a backless throne wearing nimbus cruciger, raising right hand in benediction and holding gospels in left arm. The reverse shows John on the left wearing a crown and loros with mappa in right hand. Virgin on the right with left hand raised in benediction and both holding a patriarchal cross between them. Gorgeous uncirculated example with strong eye appeal and an exceptional strike.
