Byzantine Empire Se s s i o n O n e - T h u rs d a y , O c to b e r 29 , 2 0 0 9 1 0 : 0 0 a m
555
556
558
Michael VII, 1071-1078. Gold (pale metal) Histamenon Nomisma (4.34 g) minted at Constantinople. Bust facing of Christ, wearing nimbus and holding book of Gospels. Reverse: Crowned, facing bust of Michael, holding labarum and globus cruciter. D.O. 2a; S. 1868. Nicely struck, with some luster present; Extremely Fine. Estimated Value ............................................................... $250 - 300
Nicephorus Bryennius, pretender, 1077-8. follis (6.94g), uncertain mint. Bust of Christ facing, nimbate and with cross behind head., holding scroll. Rev. Patriarchal cross on two steps, C - [B] / N - [B] in field above and below. DOC 1a; Sear 1890A (attributed to Nicephorus Basilacius, following Hendy). Fine/very fine with dark patina, very rare. In 1077 Nicephorus Bryennius, Duke of Dyrrhachium, decided to try and overthrow the weak regime of Michel VII. The general Nicephorus Basilacius was sent against him, but the two Nicephori combined forces and Basilacius took possession of Thessalonica while Bryennius advanced on the capital. However, in the meantime Michael's weak regime had already been toppled by a third Nicephorus (Botaniates). The new emperor despatched the general Alexius Comnenus against the two rebels and he quickly overcame their uprising, leaving Nicephorus III in full control of the Empire. Estimated Value ............................................................ $900 - 1,200
Michael VII and Maria, 1071-1078. Gold Tetarteron Nomisma (pale metal 4.04g), Constantinople. Nimbate bust of the Virgin facing, holding before her circular medallion of the infant Christ with cross behind head. Rev. Crowned half-length figures of Michael, wearing loros (on l.), and his wife, wearing jeweled robe with broad collar (on r.), holding between them long cross with terminal pellets to arms and X on shaft. DOC 4; Sear 1871. Good Very Fine. Estimated Value ............................................................... $500 - 600
The Christov Family Collection.
The Christov Family Collection.
559
557
1
Michael VII, 1071-1078. half follis (4.62g), Constantinople. Facing bust of Christ, holding book of Gospels, cross behind head., stars in field to l. and to r. Rev. Crowned bust of Michael facing, wearing loros and holding labarum and gl. cr. DOC 15; Sear 1880A. Very Fine with brown patina, circular surface flaw on obverse below Christ's right jaw; an excellent example of this extremely rare and interesting issue, seemingly the last fraction of the follis to be produced by the Byzantine mint. Estimated Value ............................................................ $900 - 1,200
Nicephorus Basilacius, pretender, 1078. follis (7.23g), Thessalonica. NIKHFORO BAC, Half-length bust of Christ facing, nimbate and with cross behind head., holding book of Gospels, A in lower r. field. Rev. Patriarchal cross on base, IC - [XC] / NI - KA in field above and below. Cf. DOC III, pp. 705-6 (Anonymous Class N) = Sear 1903A; Grierson ("Nicephorus Bryennius or Nicephorus Basilacius?") in Numismatic Circular 1976, pp. 23, type c; Bland ("A Follis of Nicephorus Basilacius?") in Numismatic Chronicle 1992, pp. 175-7 and pl. 36, B. Good very fine with dark green patina, overstruck (undertype uncertain), extremely rare (less than 10 specimens known) and of great historical interest; obverse legend unusually distinct, possibly the finest specimen known. Estimated Value ............................................................ $800 - 1,200 CNG 66 (2004), lot 1788, The Christov Family Collection.
Triton VIII (2005), lot 1452, The Christov Family Collection.
108