Byzantine Bronze Coin with a Rare Islamic Counterstamp — Two Civilizations, One Coin

Own a Coin That Crossed Empires

A real Byzantine bronze coin of Constantine X, later stamped by an Islamic ruler more than 80 years after it was first struck—a remarkable artifact linking the Christian Byzantine Empire and the medieval Islamic world.

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✓ Exact Coin Shown
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☦ Originally struck by the Byzantine Empire, later validated for circulation under an Islamic dynasty
🏛 A rare survivor from the famous Mardin Hoard
🤲 The exact historic coin pictured is the one you'll receive

Own This Piece of History

Why This Coin Matters

Few ancient coins tell a story as remarkable as this one.

Originally struck during the reign of Constantine X Doukas (AD 1059–1067), this bronze coin remained in circulation long after the emperor's death. Decades later, it received a rare Islamic counterstamp reading "Shams," applied under the Inalid ruler Shams al-Din Mahmud of Amid (AD 1151–1183).

Rather than melting older Byzantine coins, Islamic authorities sometimes counterstamped them to authorize continued circulation within their own territories. This small mark transformed an older Byzantine coin into legal currency once again, giving it a second life under a completely different civilization.

Counterstamped Byzantine coins are far scarcer than standard Byzantine issues and provide a fascinating glimpse into the economic and cultural interaction between the Christian Byzantine Empire and the Islamic states that succeeded it. This example, from the Mardin Hoard, is a tangible reminder that coins often outlived the empires that created them.

Perfect For

• First-time ancient coin collectors
• Byzantine history enthusiasts
• Islamic history collectors
• Collectors of unusual and rare ancient coins
• Anyone looking for a truly unique conversation piece

What You'll Receive

• The exact Byzantine bronze coin with Islamic counterstamp pictured
• Originally struck under Constantine X (AD 1059–1067)
• Counterstamped by the Inalids of Amid under Shams al-Din Mahmud (AD 1151–1183)
• Mardin Hoard provenance
• Sear Byzantine 1853 • Counterstamp 9
• Guaranteed authentic

Buy with Confidence

• Guaranteed authentic ancient coin
• Carefully sourced and attributed
• 30-day return policy
• Secure shipping from the U.S.

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