Miliaresion of Constantine IX with the Meter Theou c. 1042 - 1055

Editor: This is a Miliaresion coin of Constantine IX, featuring the Meter Theou. It’s small, unassuming, yet it feels like it holds a lot of power. What can you tell me about the symbols at play here? Curator: Look closely. On one side, the Virgin Mary, the Meter Theou, her hands raised in supplication. Opposite, the emperor himself, holding the labarum, the imperial standard topped with the cross. Notice how the coin itself acts as a conduit, connecting the divine and the earthly ruler. What emotional weight do you think such imagery carried for the Byzantine people? Editor: It’s a powerful reminder of the emperor’s divinely sanctioned authority. It's amazing how much meaning can be packed into such a small object. Curator: Indeed, a whole worldview condensed into a single coin. It speaks volumes about the cultural memory they wished to preserve.