Byzantine Histamenon

About Byzantine Histamenon

A gold coin that replaced the solidus as the standard Byzantine gold coin. Slightly lighter than the solidus. Featured Christ Pantocrator on the obverse. The histamenon was thinner and wider than the solidus, creating a coin that looked more impressive. The gold content declined over time, reflecting Byzantine economic troubles. By the 14th century, the histamenon was a tiny gold coin, a shadow of the solidus standard.