FRASCATIUS ANCIENTS

---

3 (THREE) BEAUTIFUL UNIDENTIFIED BRONZE / BILLON TRACHY (CUP COINS) OF THE BYZANTINE EMPIRE FROM THE 12TH - 14TH CENTURIES AD .

These Byzantine trachy are a product of a deeply religious society—each features imagery of Jesus Christ and/or the Virgin Mary on the obverse.

Thin curved shells are inherently strong and light. This is how Mother Nature designed the eggshell. And this is how the Byzantines designed their coins.

The 3 coins in the photo are the exact 3 coins being sold.

---

THE SIZES ARE 20 - 27 MM AND 0.8 - 2.6 GRAMS.

---

---

BYZANTINE CUP COINS

It appears that the main reason for the emergence of the concave fabric of this coin type, and its survival for almost three centuries, was to make thin coins strong enough to resist bending and breakage. Thin curved shells are inherently strong and light. This is how Mother Nature designed the eggshell. And this is how the Byzantines designed their coins.

BYZANTINE EMPIRE

The Byzantine Empire (or Byzantium) was the predominantly Greek-speaking eastern part of the Roman Empire throughout Late Antiquity and the Middle Ages. Also known as the Eastern Roman Empire, the Byzantine Empire was called simply Roman Empire or Romania by its inhabitants and neighbours. Centered around the capital of Constantinople, it was ruled by emperors in direct succession to the ancient Roman emperors after the collapse of Western Roman Empire. The Byzantine Empire existed for more than a thousand years (from approximately 306 AD to 1453 AD). During its existence, the Empire remained one of the most powerful economic, cultural, and military forces in Europe, despite setbacks and territorial losses, especially during the Roman–Persian and Byzantine–Arab Wars. The Empire recovered during the Macedonian dynasty, rising again to become a pre-eminent power in the Eastern Mediterranean by the late tenth century, rivaling the Fatimid Caliphate.

---

A True Auction Environment –

Auctions start at $.99 with No Minimums and No Reserves.

---

FULL UNCONDITIONAL GUARANTEE OF AUTHENTICITY

If the buyer feels that the coin received is not as represented - just return the coin and the buyer will be fully reimbursed for the cost of the coin; the original shipping charge; and the cost to ship the coin back… No Questions Asked. If the buyer is not happy, please let me know, and I will do what I can to make it right.

NOTE: Frascatius is a life member (LM #6864) of the American Numismatic Association (ANA). Frascatius fully complies with the ANA Member Code of Ethics.

---

If you have any questions regarding this auction, please click on “Ask seller a question”.

I will be more than happy to provide you with a response.

---

VISIT MY EBAY STORE: FRASCATIUS ANCIENT COINS

---

For those new to ancient coins, please contact me, and I will e-mail to you my "Beginners Guide for Ancient Coin Collectors - FAQ".

---

SHIPPING:

• Multiple items may be grouped at no additional charge at the above rates.
• All items will be carefully packaged, protected & insured (private insurance).

---