Hyperpyron of John II

Hyperpyron of John II Komnenos, c. 1118–1122. Gold, 4.14 grams, 32 mm diameter. This is a clear example of the shape characteristic of Byzantine coins of this period, which curve like a bowl when placed in the palm. The standard re-established by his father, Alexios I, in 1092 was continued during his son's reign. A standard that had once lost its credibility continued to live on under a new name—the latter part of the story of the nomisma. The records of Dumbarton Oaks report the actual measurements.