21mm Ancient Coin with John I Tzimisces of the Byzantine Empire

John I Tzimisces (C.?925-10 January 976) was the senior Byzantine Emperor from 11 December 969 to 10 January 976. was an intuitive and successful general, he strengthened the Empire and expanded its borders during his short reign. Tzimiskes was born sometime around 925 to an unnamed member of the Kourkouas family and the sister of the future Emperor Nikephoros II Phokas. Both the Kourkouai and the Phokadai were distinguished Cappadocian families and among the most prominent of the emerging military aristocracy of Asia Minor. Several of their members had served as prominent army generals, most notable the great John Kourkouas, who conquered Melitene and much of Armenia. He served in the army under his uncle Nikephoros Phokas and eventually rose to become emperorin 969 after the assasination of Nikephoros. He expanded the empire through military ventures. He died suddenly (possibly poisoned) in 976. It is said that he left all his personal wealth to the poor and sick. He was succeeded by his ward and nephew Basil II.

Obv: Cross set on two steps with a central medallion containing the crowned bust of John facing.
Rev: +ihSUS XRISTUShiCA’ “+IwAhh Eh Xw AVTO-CRAT EVSEb bASILEWS RwMAIw

While in some instances these items can be special ordered, they will vary in patina, size, texture, and rarity. Each coin in our collection is one of a kind.