CONSTANTINE IX MONOMACHOS (1042-1055)

Obv.:	Bust of Christ holdinig Book of Gospels with left hand, legend: IC XC
Rev.:	3-line legend: IS XS / bASILE / bASILE'

FOLLIS

Obv.:	Christ enthroned, holdinig Book of Gospels with left hand, legend: IC XC
Rev.:	3-line legend: IS XS / bASILE / bASILE'

HISTORICAL NOTES: Constantine's reign saw progress in arts and letters, including the reopening of the University in Constantinople in 1045. The long brewing schism of Eastern and Western churches formally occured at the end of his reign, with profound effects to follow. A Russian attack on the capital was repelled, but a sizeable expedition to subdue prince Vojislav of Zeta (died 1051) in late 1042 failed, allowing for the latter's rise and expansion.

NUMISMATIC NOTES: The image of Christ on a throne with a high back used in the second featured issue is the one that later became the standard rendition on Venetian silver grossi, as well as Serbian dinars.