Complete Dumbarton Oaks Byzantine Coins Catalogue PDF (5 Volumes)
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Complete Dumbarton Oaks Byzantine Coins Catalogue PDF (5 Volumes)
What Is the Byzantine Coins Catalogue?
The Dumbarton Oaks Catalogue of Byzantine Coins is the most comprehensive reference ever created for coins of the Eastern Roman Empire. Spanning 491 – 1453 CE, it documents over 12,000 gold, silver and bronze pieces held in the renowned Dumbarton Oaks and Whittemore Collections.
Edited by Alfred Bellinger and Philip Grierson, the work was released in five monumental volumes between 1966 and 1999. Today, the complete set is available as a high-resolution PDF download, giving you instant access to decades of scholarly research wherever you are.
Why Download the PDF Edition?
Your entire numismatic library in your pocket
Forget hauling heavy books to auctions or fairs. With the PDF you can zoom into crisp plate images, bookmark emperor sections and search legends in seconds.
Crystal-clear images for accurate identification
Every coin is photographed at publication quality. You’ll see mint marks, officina letters and tiny control symbols that cheaper guides miss.
Authoritative scholarship you can trust
Each entry lists weight, diameter, die axis, references and a concise commentary—vital data when you’re verifying authenticity or estimating value.
Inside the Five Volumes
Vol. 1 – Anastasius I to Justinian I (491-565)
A gold-heavy era introducing the famous solidus and the first large bronze folles.
Vol. 2 – Justin II to Maurice Tiberius (565-602)
See the shift toward larger AE denominations and intriguing mint expansions.
Vol. 3 – Phocas to Theodosius III (602-717)
A turbulent century covered in rich narrative footnotes that bring each issue to life.
Vol. 4 – Leo III to Alexander (717-912)
Split in two parts, this volume tackles both iconoclast and Macedonian reforms.
Vol. 5 – Romanus I to Constantine XI (912-1453)
The dramatic final chapters of Byzantium, including the thin billon trachies and Cappadocian copper issues.
How to Use the Catalogue PDF
- Search legends: copy a few Greek letters and use your PDF reader’s text-search.
- Jump by emperor: each reign starts on a fresh page heading—add bookmarks for quick navigation.
- Cross-reference values: match DOC numbers to Wildwinds or Sear numbers in seconds.
Download & Buy
Ready to own the definitive Byzantine coin guide? Choose your preferred marketplace:
Pro Tips for Byzantine Coin Collectors
Authenticate like a pro
Compare flan fabric, lettering style and die axis with DOC plates before you buy.
Spot under-valued rarities
Look for short-reigned emperors—hyper-inflation of the era means small mintages that auction houses often overlook.
Build thematic sets
Use the catalogue’s mint index to focus on Constantinople issues, crusader imitations or Sicilian mints.
FAQ: Byzantine Coins Catalogue PDF
Q 1. Is the PDF searchable?
Yes. Text is OCR-processed, so you can search legends, emperors or DOC numbers instantly.
Q 2. Are the images high-resolution?
Scans average 600 dpi, letting you zoom without pixelation—perfect for die-study work.
Q 3. Can I still buy the print books?
Printed sets surface at specialist dealers but often exceed €1,000. The PDF delivers the same scholarship for a fraction of the cost.
Q 4. Does it cover provincial issues?
While focused on imperial coinage, Volume 3 includes provincial and over-strike notes when relevant.
Q 5. Is it suitable for beginners?
Absolutely. The introductory essays explain denominations, iconography and mint marks in plain language before diving into technical listings.
Join the Conversation
Thousands of numismatists rely on this Byzantine Coins Catalogue PDF every day. Grab your copy, dive into a millennium of history, and tell us in the comments which coin you’ll hunt for next!