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Title	Byzantine Empire, Romanus I, AE 18, 920-944 AD or 959-963 AD
Obverse	Monogram
Reverse	Cross on Two Steps, Pellet to the Left and Right of Cross
Type/Denomination	AE Coin
Diameter	17.8 millimeters
Weight	2.23 grams
Origin	Byzantine Empire
Period	920-944 AD or 959-963 AD
Description	This 18 mm bronze (AE 18) coin minted at Cherson, features a monogram on the obverse and a cross on two steps with a pellet on each side of the cross on the reverse. Though it was probably minted between 920 and 944 AD, during the reign of Romanus I, it could be dated between 959 and 963 AD, during the reign of Romanus II. Constantine VII was co-emperor with his uncle Alexander who died before Constantine VII was old enough to rule on his own. Romanus I, the admiral of the Byzantine fleet, married his daughter Helena to Constantine VII and in effect ruled from 920-944 AD. Romanus's two sons Stephen and Constantine, fearing that he would leave the throne to Constantine VII, deposed him by compelling him to become a monk. While they were thus occupied Constantine VII took control of the empire and exiled them with their father. Romanus II, the son of Constantine VII and Helena, was appointed co-emperor in 945 and became emperor in 959. He did not take interest in ruling the empire but left the power and responsibility to the eunuch Joseph Bringas and military leader Nicephorus Phocas. He died in 963 and was succeeded by Nicephorus.
Publisher	Hillsdale College
Donor	Alwin C. Carus
Accession Number	20050111
Catalog Number	Sear BCV 1775

Byzantine Empire, Romanus I, AE 18, 920-944 AD or 959-963 AD

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