The fortunes of the golden byzantine coin follow the fortunes of the Byzantine Empire. “Το νόμισμα” or “Κωνσταντινάτο”, as it is commonly known, is the first money to combine the three characteristics that make it the perfect coin. It is “solidum, integrum et totum”. This fact makes it internationally accepted as currency and it circulates everywhere in the then known world. During the 11th century, because of the difficulties of the Byzantine Empire, “a sickness of the byzantine currency” is spoken of. Alexios Comnenos debases the coinage. Nevertheless, the Byzantine golden coin remains a symbol, even when worn round around the neck as jewelry.