Byzantine Empire. Constantine VII "The Purple-born" (AD 913-959). Solidus

Constantine VII, known as “The Purple-born,” was a Byzantine emperor who ruled during the 10th century (913-959 AD). His epithet “Purple-born” refers to his birth in the purple chamber of the imperial palace, signifying legitimate imperial descent. The solidus coin attributed to Constantine VII reflects the sophisticated numismatic traditions of the middle Byzantine period. This gold coin typically features the emperor’s portrait combined with religious imagery and detailed inscriptions in Greek, emphasizing both his divine right to rule and the integration of church and state. Constantine VII was notable not only for his reign but also for his patronage of literature and history, authoring works that provide rich insight into Byzantine governance and society. His solidus coins are prized by collectors as artifacts that embody the empire’s cultural and political milieu during the 10th century.