Theodora, 1055-1056. Tetarteron (Gold, 19 mm, 4.00 g, 6 h), Constantinopolis. IC - XC Nimbate bust of Christ facing, wearing tunic and pallium, raising his right hand in benediction and holding book of Gospels in his left. Rev. +ΘЄΟΔⲰP ΑVΓΟVCT Bust of Theodora facing, wearing loros and crown with pendilia, holding jewelled scepter in her right hand and globus cruciger in her left. DOC 2. SB 1838. A spectacular piece, beautifully struck and with a wonderful portrait of the old empress. Very minor weakness and with a few faint marks, otherwise, extremely fine.



Theodora Porphyrogenita (circa 980 -1056) was a Byzantine empress who ruled first jointly with her sister Zoe in 1042 and later as sole empress from 1055 until her death. As the daughter of Emperor Constantine VIII, she was born into the purple, signifying her legitimacy as a member of the imperial family. For much of her life, she lived in the shadow of her more politically active sister and was even confined to a monastery after being accused of conspiracy. In 1042, however, a popular uprising brought her back to power, and she briefly co-ruled the empire with Zoe.

After Zoe transferred power to her new husband, Theodora returned to seclusion until she emerged again in 1055, following the death of Emperor Constantine IX. Despite her age - around 75 - she asserted her authority and ruled alone with determination. She enacted reforms to limit corruption and restrain the influence of the aristocracy, governing with a firm hand. Though criticized by some for her severity, she successfully defended her rule against an attempted coup and ensured a smooth succession by appointing Michael VI as her heir.

Theodora was the last ruler of the Macedonian dynasty and remains one of the few women in Byzantine history to have ruled in her own right, symbolizing imperial continuity, legitimacy, and the enduring role of women in Byzantine politics. She died suddenly in August 1056 after a brief illness, ending a short but decisive reign.