Kyivan Rus Zlatnik, 980 – 1015

1 Solid from Kyivan Rus. Issued from 980 to 1015. Struck in Gold (.958). Measures 23 mm and weighs 4.4 g.

Obverse

Figure of duke Vladimir Svyatoslavich in full height, apparently seated with bent legs. A hat on duke's head is depicted with dots with a cross on top and threads on the sides composed of small dots or beads ending with large dots or beads. The duke is clothed in a short cloak or cape (korzno) fastened with a round fibula (brooch), the flaps of the cloak end with dotted threads. In his right hand the duke holds a staff topped with a cross. Left hand is resting on the duke's chest and is covered by the cloak up to the wrist. A trident (a ducal symbol) is placed above the duke's left shoulder. The figure of the duke is surrounded by a circular legend ВЛАДИМИРЪ НА СТОЛҌ (VLADIMIR ON THE THRONE) with a cross at the end, the letters of the legend are placed clock-wise and are turned vertically towards the centre of the coin. The legend is surrounded by a dotted circle.. (Vladimir on the throne)

Reverse

Bust of Jesus Crist (Pantocrator) full face with a cross-like nimbus. In his left hand Jesus holds a Gospel in dotted casing. The right hand is not visible and is covered by the folds of the cloak (chiton). The figure of Christ is surrounded by a circular legend ЇСУСЪ ХРИСТИСЪ (JESUS CHRIST), the letters of the legend are placed clock-wise and are turned vertically towards the centre of the coin. The legend is surrounded by a dotted circle. (Jesus Christ)