Nikephoros I & Staurakios Byzantine Bronze — Syracuse Mint

Own a Coin from Byzantine Sicily in the Early 9th Century

A genuine Byzantine bronze coin struck at Syracuse in Sicily during the reign of Nikephoros I and his son Staurakios, when the island remained an important western province of the medieval Roman Empire.

✓ Guaranteed Authentic
✓ Carefully Sourced and Verified
✓ 30-Day Returns

📷 You will receive the exact coin pictured.

Why This Coin Matters

Nikephoros I came to power in AD 802 after the deposition of Empress Irene. His son Staurakios was crowned co-emperor, establishing a dynastic succession that is reflected in coinage bearing the imperial family.

Nikephoros’s reign ended catastrophically in AD 811 during a campaign against Khan Krum of Bulgaria. The Byzantine army was defeated at the Battle of Pliska and Nikephoros was killed. Staurakios survived with severe wounds and briefly succeeded his father before relinquishing power.

This coin’s western setting is equally important. Syracuse was one of the principal Byzantine centers in Sicily and an important mint for the empire’s western territories.

The earlier phrase “Byzantium’s last stand in Sicily” overstated the chronology. Byzantine rule on Sicily continued for decades after Nikephoros, and the Muslim conquest of the island began in AD 827. Syracuse itself did not fall until AD 878, while the final Byzantine strongholds survived still longer.

This coin therefore represents Byzantine Sicily before the long 9th-century conquest transformed the island—not its final stand.

It is a tangible piece of the medieval Roman Empire’s western Mediterranean history.

What You’ll Receive

• The exact Byzantine bronze coin pictured
• Civilization: Byzantine Empire
• Rulers: Nikephoros I and Staurakios
• Period: AD 802–811
• Mint: Syracuse, Sicily
• Material: Bronze
• Guaranteed authentic

Perfect For

• Collectors of Byzantine coinage
• Collectors of Sicilian history
• Medieval Roman history enthusiasts
• Collectors interested in provincial mints
• Students and educators

Buy with Confidence

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