Imitation of a Byzantine miliaresion of Basil II and Constantine VIII

This coin is an imitation of a Byzantine miliaresion of Basil II and Constantine VIII, possibly produced in the region of Finland. These imitations are mainly known from finds in Finland, some also from Estonia. Individual pieces have also been found in Sweden and Denmark. The Byzantine imitations found in Finland mainly imitated the coins of Basil II and Constantine VIII. Basil II ruled the Byzantine Empire with his brother Constantine VIII until his death (in 976–1025). Struck on one side only, the front face of the coin features a cross, on the left of which an attempt has been made to reproduce the crowned and bearded figure of Basil II, with the bust of his brother Constantine VIII, wearing a cloak, on the right. In addition, there are four dots on the coin that may have been made later, possibly when the hole was punched. The coin was worn as jewellery.

This imitation was found on a farm in Turenki in 1832, in addition to a few silver objects and Viking Age coins and another Byzantine imitation. The objects had been hidden in or after the 12th century. The coins were mixed with other hoard finds in the coin and medal collection of the University of Helsinki in the 19th century. This imitation is one of the two coins that can certainly be linked to the hoard found in Turenki, Janakkala.