bezant

Bezant is a medieval term for a gold coin. The term is derived from the word Byzantium, the Latinized form of the original Greek name (Βυζάντιον or "Byzántion") of the Byzantine capital, Constantinople, where gold coins often came from, and were associated with, since the time of Constantine I.

History

Gold coins were not commonly minted in early medieval Western Europe, silver and bronze being the currency of choice, but they did circulate there in small numbers, originating in the Mediterranean region. Byzantine gold coins, in particular, were highly prized, as were the later Islamic ones. These gold coins were commonly called bezants, taken from the word Byzantium, the Latinized form of the original Greek name (Βυζάντιον, Byzántion) of the capital, Constantinople, where the gold coins typically came from and were associated with, since the time of Constantine I. The first "bezants" were Byzantine solidi. Later, the term also referred to gold dinars minted in the Islamic Caliphates, themselves modelled on the solidus.

The term "Bezant" was used by Venetians to refer to the Egyptian gold dinar and Marco Polo referred to the bezant in the account of his travels to East Asia when describing the currencies of the Yuan Empire.^[1] His descriptions were based on the conversion of 1 bezant = 20 groats = 133⅓ tornesel.^[2]

Gold coinage was re-introduced to Europe in 1252 when the city of Florence began minting gold coins known as florins.

Gold coins in 10th and 11th century England were valued at two shillings sterling. The gold:silver ratio was 1:9.

Typically gold coins were used when payments had some special ritual significance, or to show a sign of respect.

Bezants in heraldry

Duchy of Cornwall banner diplaying the 15 bezants which has come to represent Cornwall

In heraldry, bezants are gold discs (roundels). Their name as a charge probably comes from the name of the coins.

Notes

See also

• Roundel

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