Download PDF | Wayne G. Sayles - Ancient coin collecting V_ the Romaion-Byzantine culture-Krause Publications (1998).
205 Pages
PREFACE
One would think that choosing a book’s title would be the (By easiest part of writing it, but not so in this case. After embracing the term Romaion in Volume one of this series, we encountered some minor resistance to the expression. It is, after all, a change from the norm. One critic was already thinking ahead, wondering what the title of Volume V would be? On the other hand, we also received encouragement from numismatists, whose opinions we value.
We will not reiterate the argument here, but the essence of our position is that the term Byzantine is inaccurate and inappropriate. The reason that we have brought this polemic to the doorstep of our readers is neither to grind an axe, nor lead a crusade. It is simply to make a new generation of collectors aware that there is an alternative view.
One criticism which we took to heart was that beginning collectors whowere unfamiliar with either or both of these terms could be confused. We have therefore made a concerted effort to keep the reader aware that both terms are used—and usable. Hence the rather ambiguous title for this volume. Weare not alone in the desire to find a more acceptable term than Byzantine.
The titles of Harlan Berk’s , Eastern Roman Successors of the Sestertius and Roman Gold Coins of the Medieval World 383-1453 AD, suggestthat he too had some reservations about the name Byzantine. Dr. John Lhotka titled his book Introduction to East Roman (Byzantine) Coinage. In The Fall of the Roman Empire: A Reappraisal, Michael Grant identifies Justinian I as an “East Roman (Byzantine) Emperor”. The parenthetical “Byzantine” is his.
There are many others, including some historians of renown, who have indicated through the titles of their published works that the term “Byzantine” is not universally favored. Nevertheless, the world of academia— often intractable in such matters—will be slow to accept any change. This is not too surprising, nor is it necessarily a bad thing. However, we believe that change is in order, and we are only doing our small part here to help make that evident.
The arrangement of this volume is identical to its predecessors. That is, there are many short sections compiled in a loose framework of “chapters”. These sections approach various subjects of general interest to the beginner—for whom this book is written. None of them constitute a comprehensive discussion of the topic. After all, this is a road map to the hobby of collecting, not a thesis or dissertation.
They simply introduce the reader to various aspects of the coinage and its artistic or historical associations. These vignettes are meant to stand alone as the reader digests one or more sections at a time. While most books are meant to be read from cover to cover in one passing. The books in this series differ intentionally. They are meant to offer information in short “bytes” rather than as flowing discourse. Consequently, there will be some minor repetitive detail—although not enough to become tedious we would hope.
Even the experienced collector should benefit from the many illustrations of superior coins herein, and perhaps from the observations of a different set of eyes. We have tried to be as accurate as literature and research at our disposal will allow, but inevitably there will be new discoveries and interpretations that we have missed. For that, we apologize in advance.
In this field, as in all fields of numismatics, there is a substantial amount of research being undertaken by professionals and amateurs alike. Serious students and collectors would be well advised to subscribe to the scholarly journals which announce this work and publish the results.
Romaion or Byzantine coins constitute one of the most exciting fields available to the collector of modest means. Even the great rarities in this series do not command the prices that a mediocre scarcity realizes in the field of Greek or Roman coinage. The most expensive of these coins are measured in thousands of dollars, while the most expensive Greek coins are measured in hundreds of thousands of dollars.
The least expensive may be purchased for less than the cost of lunch at a fast-food restaurant. If ancient coins on the whole are under appreciated and undervalued, then “Byzantine” coins are greatly undervalued. Not everyone will be attracted to these coins. They offer a certain charm, but they are not visibly impressive—for the most part. Their attraction lies more so in the mystery that is associated with their history and origin.
It is still possible in this series for the ardent collector to find rare and even unique coins in dealer junk boxes. In fact, one has a much greater chance of finding a unique bronze from the Carthage, Thessalonica or Trebizond mint than a key date Indian Head penny. The reason is simple. Few collectors or dealers are sufficiently aware of the rarities. That is not at all surprising, given the nature of the coinage. While rarities do abound, and they are cheap, one really has to know the coins to cash in on that fact. Like any other category of coins from the ancient world, these need to be approached with a specific methodology.
It is tempting to take a shotgun approach and collect a little of this and a little of that, but seldom does this approach bring real satisfaction or a meaningful collection. Concentration and focus are the keys to success. It is best to choose a relatively narrow field of interest and then expand it as time goes on. Starting out with a loosely defined objective is a sure recipe for wasted time and money.
There are many possible approaches to building a collection. One could, for example, concentrate on coins from a particular mint or imperial dynasty. Another approach might be to assemble a type set of coins depicting saints or angels. An ambitious project might include assembling a date set for one of the longer reigning emperors. If one has a preference for historical time capsules, there are many coins that can be tied to a military adventure or political event. The possibilities are nearly endless.
Where does one start? Well that depends on personal interests, but the answer is “anywhere”. Pick up a coin—any coin— and learn what its place in history is. Find out what the world was like when that coin was struck. Learn what makes that particular coin different from all the others that lie in trays and boxes here and there. Also, learn what coins are related to that specimen and belong by its side. This is when the collecting begins. A search for specific coins that answer preconceived questions or expand one’s awareness of a series is a labor of love and joy.
Having spent the better part of 32 years studying ancient Greek and Roman coins, it has been a distinct pleasure to compile the information presented here. We have been inspired to look at coinage of this time and place ina framework which we had not previously considered. The history represented by these coins is fascinating, and it is a challenge to capture the essence of a complicated personality or reign in a few paragraphs of text.
We have tried throughout to present information that will inspire the reader to seek additional sources. Anticipating that in some cases we might succeed, we have presented a rather extensive bibliography. It is our hope that, in distilling some of the information available, we will serve as a catalyst for others to delve deeper into the mysteries of Romaion / Byzantine coinage.
Gainesville, Missouri 1998
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Weare indebted to Peter Lampinen, friend and dedicated numismatist, for sharing his expertise on the imitations of “Byzantine” coinage. This is a very broad subject, on which information is obscure and too little is published. We are very fortunate to benefit from his many years of study and professional work in the field. The kind permission of Professor Clifton Fox to quote from his Celator article—which includes information about the origin and meaning of the title Basileus—is gratefully acknowledged.
We also thank noted Byzantinist Simon Bendall for permission to include extracts and illustrations from his articles in The Celator. Our thanks as well to Chris Connell for sharing with us the abstraction of Christ’s portrait on coins of John VIII. The special font for reproduction of epigraphical titles in the Gallery of Emperors and Empresses was provided by Dan Clark.
Since this book is, like those before it, a synthesis of information from many sources, it is not possible to acknowledge all of the numismatists who have made a contribution. The scholarship in this field is truly astounding, and a cursory glance at the bibliographies will reveal the names of those who lead in this respect. Let us reiterate our thanks to everyone who has taken the time and made the effort to share their knowledge in print.
If we may single out just one, there can be little doubt that David R. Sear has done more to foster new collector interest in this series than all other authors combined. His Byzantine Coins and Their Values is indispensable for the beginner and expert alike.
Illustrated in this fifth volume of the Ancient Coin Collecting series are a great many superb specimens, including some of exceptional rarity. We are deeply indebted to Classical Numismatic Group, of Lancaster, Pennsylvania; Harlan J. Berk, of Chicago, Illinois; Leu Numismatik of Ziirich, Switzerland; M&M Numismatics Ltd. of Basel, Switzerland, Frank L. Kovacs of San Mateo, California and Edward J. Waddell of Gaithersburg, Maryland for permission to reproduce photos from monographs, fixed price lists and auction catalogues issued by their firms.
As this project moves into its final phase I must acknowledge, more so than ever, the invaluable assistance provided by my wife and companion Doris—who through her vigilance and forbearance keeps it all together.
Link
Press Here
0 التعليقات :
إرسال تعليق