James Ingram

“ And, however much we may regret the loss of many splendid works of art, which might gratify and instruct every generation of mankind, yet we may console ourselves with the reflection that enough remains to illustrate almost every page of history, if we be careful and industrious enough to examine and study them. ”

“ He is represented as crowned by the Virgin Mary; and the legends of this and some subsequent coins exhibit those revolting invocations for help from the Mother of God which have been so frequently condemned as derogatory from the supreme Majesty of heaven. For about four or five centuries, therefore, "Jesus have mercy, Mary help," were invocations too commonly united. In another coin there is the figure of St. George assisting the emperor, Calo-Johannes, in holding a patriarchal cross, with the figure of the Saviour, sitting on a chair, on the reverse. ”

“ The head of Christ is on the obverse, instead of the head of the reigning emperor. Hence the Byzantine coins, not otherwise distinguished, are easily appropriated to Zimisces. Perhaps some reasons of state prevented this politic prince, though his coronation was publicly solemnized, and his reign was popular, from assuming all the external signs of his imperial office. Under his usurpation or regency of twelve years, according to Gibbon, though Zonaras and most other authors say six, Basil and Constantine had silently grown to manhood. ”