2280

Byzantine Empire. Basil II and Constantine VIII, 976-10

Currency:USD Category:Coins & Paper Money / Coins: Ancient Start Price:1,600.00 USD
Byzantine Empire. Basil II and Constantine VIII, 976-10
Byzantine Empire. Basil II and Constantine VIII, 976-1025. Anonymous Silver Miliaresion (2.79g), Constantinople. Nimbate bust of the Virgin Nikopoios facing, holding before her circular medallion with the bust of the infant Christ, cross behind his head., inscription (= "O Virgin aid the emperors") above, triple border. Rev. Five-line inscription (= "Mother of God, full of glory, he who putteth his trust in thee will never fail in his undertakings"), border as obv. DOC 19; Sear 1809. Extremely Fine/good very fine and very rare, minor surface pitting on reverse, an excellent example of this beautiful and remarkable type.

Having formerly been attributed to John I, this type has been securely assigned by Grierson to the joint reign of Basil II and Constantine VIII and more specifically to the time of the pivotal battle of Abydus in which an icon of the Virgin Nikopoios played a miraculous role.
Estimated Value $4,000 - 5,000.
The Christov Family Collection Triton IV (2000), lot 848.

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