Bezants', or BYZANTINES

Bezants', or BYZANTINES, are coins of the Byzantine empire. The gold bezant varied in value at different times from a sovereign to half a sovereign; the silver one from a florin to a shilling; are of gold and silver; bear impressions distinct from those of the earlier Roman coins; and were copied in several countries where the Byzantine standard was adopted. The commercial relations of the Eastern empire served to distribute its coinage over almost all the then known world. It was current in India as well as in England till the reign of Edward III. (see NUMISMATICS). Bezants were brought home by the Crusaders, and hence are of frequent occurrence as heraldic charges. Similar figures, when not coloured or (gold), or argent (silver), are known in heraldry by the general term of roundels. A bezanty cross is a cross composed of bezants.