The Syria 1957 Hoard originally comprised 15 gold histamena nomismata of Constantine X, Romanos IV and Michael VII. That there was only one coin of the latter may indicate that the hoard was buried not long after, or even during, 1071, the same year as the battle of Manzikert. The fluctuating political situation in this period may be the best explanation for the burial of this hoard, the size of the hoard likely indicates personal, rather than collective wealth.

It was buried ‘along the Syrian border with Turkey’ and found in 1957, arriving in the UK in 1958, where Whitting bought 9, 8 of which now reside in the Barber, the ninth having been exchanged by Whitting for a different coin. The exact archaeological context of the hoard, is unfortunately unknown.

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