Return to Constantinople
Having explored several other currencies using the framework of Hart's Head-Tail analysis, we now turn to the Latin Imitation of the Coin of Andronikos. Beginning with a analysis of the coin's physical properties, it is struck in copper alloy, and has dimensions approximately equivalent to that of a quarter. Notably, its composition, in addition to its cupped shape (which identifies it as a trachy) is sufficient to characterize this coin as an asperon trachy, which at the time would have been worth around half a percent of a servant's yearly wage [1,2].
On the coin's decoration itself, we find two figures standing on the obverse, one extending his hand out towards the other. The other features a seated figure. Both sides of the coin feature greek letters around the outer border of the coin.
This object is slightly different from the others that we have highlighted thus far however, in that it does not, solely as a physical object capture the authority that it appeals to. Rather, as an imitation of a previous coin, its direct source of authority is the original coin itself, through which it can access true source meanings and authorities. However, finding an exact replica for Latin Imitation coins is difficult- in his book on Latin Byzantium, Filip van Tricht comments that “elements of former [coin] types were combined into new hybrid types... The most remarkable characteristic of the Latin imitations is that they also bore the names of earlier Byzantine emperors.” [3]. Thus, here are noted two coins whose reverse and obverse (respectively) bear a strong resemblance to the imitation coin. The Gold Solidus pictured here is a much higher value coin than the imitation trachy, suggesting the question of how the mixed symbolism of imitation coins would have affected perceptions of value. Note the copper tetarteon: pictured is an image of St. George, whose portrayal on Byzantine currency traditionally signaled a time of strife or impending conflict [4].
[1]. Grierson, Philip. Byzantine coins.
[2]. Laiou, Angeliki E. The economic history of Byzantium: from the seventh through the fifteenth century.
[3]. Van Tricht, Filip. "The Latin Renovatio of Byzantium."
[4]. Grierson, Philip. Byzantine coins.