Please add updates or make corrections to the NumisWiki text version as appropriate.
ZOE, surnamed Carbonopsina, fourth wife of Leo VI., Philosopher, Emperor of Constantinople A.D. 886-911. She survived her husband and her portrait may be seen on coins struck by her son Constantine X. Porphyrogenitus, A.D. 913-919, of which the following is a description:-
1. Obv. COnStAnt, ce zwH eh XwB.’ R. Busts facing and with diadem of Constantine X. and his mother Zoe, holding between them a long cross. Rev. Christ with nimbus on cross, seated facing, giving the benediction with the r. hand raised, and holding in the left the Gospels. N. (200 frcs.)
Obverse legend Kwnstantinos kal Zwh en Cristy basileis 'Rwmazwn, Constantine and Zoe in Christ, kings of the Romans.
2. +COnStAnt, ce zoH b. Same type as No. 1. Rev +cohs-tAhTINO- ce zoH bA - SILIS ROMEOh in five lines. AE. (3 frcs.)
Obverse legend Kwnstantinos kal Zoh basileis. Reverse legend Kwnstantinos kal Zoh basileis 'Rwmazwn.
There were several other Empresses of Constantinople named Zoe, notably Zoe, daughter of Stylianus, and second wife of Leo IV.; and Zoe, daughter of Constantine XI. Porphyrogenitus, and wife of (1) Romanus III. Argyrus, A.D. 1028-1034, (2) Michael IV., the Paphlogonian, A.D. 1034-1041, and (3) Constantine XII. Monomachus, A.D. 1042-1055; but of these there are no coins.