Byzantine Bronze Trade Weight with Letter Ν (Nu) and Five Pellets - Europe
02
days
11
hours
58
minutes
02
seconds
Starting bid
€ 1
No reserve price
Expert
Selected by Peter Reynaers
Has nearly 30 years’ experience and moderated multiple online art research groups.
Estimate € 150 - € 200
No bids placed
Catawiki Buyer Protection
Your payment’s safe with us until you receive your object.View details
Trustpilot 4.4 | 122529 reviews
Rated Excellent on Trustpilot.
Byzantine bronze trade weight, square 12.2 mm with Greek letter Ν (Nu) and five pellets, circa 6th–8th century AD, 4.34 g, in very fine+ condition with dark patina; provenance from a European private collection (acquired 1980s in Denmark, acquired 2024).
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
Byzantine Bronze Trade Weight with Letter Ν (Nu) and Five Pellets – ca. 6th–8th Century AD
Material: Bronze
Period: Early to Middle Byzantine, approx. 6th–8th century AD
Weight: 4.34 g , equal to : 1-nomisma standard
Dimensions: 12.2 mm x 12.2 mm x 3.7 mm.
Condition: Very fine+ condition, with attractive original dark sand patina and earthen deposits further enhancing the piece historical identity.
Provenance: From a European private collection formed in the 1980s. A Provenance document is available in PDF format upon request.
Description
A compact and authentic Byzantine bronze square weight, bearing a clearly engraved Greek letter Ν (Nu) accompanied by five punched pellets (●) arranged below and at the terminals of the letter.
Such weights were used in commercial and administrative contexts, ensuring accurate measurement of coinage, precious metals, and goods in a standardized monetary system that spanned the Eastern Mediterranean.
The Greek letter Ν (Nu) typically indicates the nominal value or denomination, while the pellets most likely served as control or verification marks by an official authority. The square format and raised linear design are consistent with official Byzantine metrological types.
The surface exhibits an attractive, dark earthen patina with lighter reddish original deposits highlighting the letterform.
This is not merely a weight, but a tangible remnant of the highly organized Byzantine bureaucratic and economic system.
Historical Context:
The Byzantine Empire inherited and refined Roman systems of standardized weights and measures, essential for:
✓ Coin control
✓ Market transactions
✓ Taxation
✓ Trade regulation
Objects like this were used by merchants, tax collectors, money changers, and market inspectors, making them important witnesses to early medieval daily life.
Why collect this piece?
✓ Authentic Byzantine economic artifact
✓ Perfectly sized for display or reference collection
✓ Clear Greek letterform and marks
✓ Scarce in intact condition
✓ Great companion to Byzantine coin collections
Seller's Story
As a second-generation history enthusiast and antique art collector, I have a deep passion for historical artifacts—from prehistoric civilizations to the Medieval era. I love connecting with fellow history lovers and sharing unique, carefully selected pieces. My goal is to find new homes for remarkable items while continuing to expand my own collection. Feel free to explore my selection—I hope you find something special!
Byzantine Bronze Trade Weight with Letter Ν (Nu) and Five Pellets – ca. 6th–8th Century AD
Material: Bronze
Period: Early to Middle Byzantine, approx. 6th–8th century AD
Weight: 4.34 g , equal to : 1-nomisma standard
Dimensions: 12.2 mm x 12.2 mm x 3.7 mm.
Condition: Very fine+ condition, with attractive original dark sand patina and earthen deposits further enhancing the piece historical identity.
Provenance: From a European private collection formed in the 1980s. A Provenance document is available in PDF format upon request.
Description
A compact and authentic Byzantine bronze square weight, bearing a clearly engraved Greek letter Ν (Nu) accompanied by five punched pellets (●) arranged below and at the terminals of the letter.
Such weights were used in commercial and administrative contexts, ensuring accurate measurement of coinage, precious metals, and goods in a standardized monetary system that spanned the Eastern Mediterranean.
The Greek letter Ν (Nu) typically indicates the nominal value or denomination, while the pellets most likely served as control or verification marks by an official authority. The square format and raised linear design are consistent with official Byzantine metrological types.
The surface exhibits an attractive, dark earthen patina with lighter reddish original deposits highlighting the letterform.
This is not merely a weight, but a tangible remnant of the highly organized Byzantine bureaucratic and economic system.
Historical Context:
The Byzantine Empire inherited and refined Roman systems of standardized weights and measures, essential for:
✓ Coin control
✓ Market transactions
✓ Taxation
✓ Trade regulation
Objects like this were used by merchants, tax collectors, money changers, and market inspectors, making them important witnesses to early medieval daily life.
Why collect this piece?
✓ Authentic Byzantine economic artifact
✓ Perfectly sized for display or reference collection
✓ Clear Greek letterform and marks
✓ Scarce in intact condition
✓ Great companion to Byzantine coin collections
Seller's Story
As a second-generation history enthusiast and antique art collector, I have a deep passion for historical artifacts—from prehistoric civilizations to the Medieval era. I love connecting with fellow history lovers and sharing unique, carefully selected pieces. My goal is to find new homes for remarkable items while continuing to expand my own collection. Feel free to explore my selection—I hope you find something special!
Details
Era
Before 1400
Type
Byzantine Bronze Trade Weight with Letter Ν (Nu) and Five Pellets
Weight
4.34 g
Culture
Byzantine
No. of items
1
Century/ Timeframe
6th–8th Century AD
Acquired from
Private collection
Country of Origin
Europe
Year acquired
2024
Material
Bronze
Country acquired from
Denmark
Condition
Excellent condition: barely used with minimal signs of wear
Previous owner acquired from
Inherited
Height
12.2 mm
Previous owner - year acquired
1980
Width
12.2 mm
Previous owner - country acquired from
Europe
Depth
3.7 mm
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
Title additional information
1-nomisma standard
Sold by
