Classical Numismatic
Group, Inc.
An Extremely Rare Gold Histamenon of Michael VI
1939. CONSTANTINE IX. 1042-1055 AD. AR 2 / 3 Miliaresion (1.33 gm). Constantinople mint. H RAAXEP NTTICA, nimbate bust of Mary, orans / -ΘΚΕ R, Θ, KWNCTAN TINW AEC ΠΟΤΗ TW MONOMA -X,-. SB 1835; DOC ΙΠ 8a. Toned EF, slightly dipped. [See color plate]. ($300) The James Fox Collection; ex William Herbert Hunt Collection: Highly Important Byzantine Coins (Sotheby's, 5-6 December 1990), lot 788 (part of). The Virgin Blachemitissa was one ofseveral icons heated in the Blachemai monastery in Constantinople, and was associated with the blessing of an emperor's military campaigns. Constantine IX, a most unwarlike ruler, was beset by continual rebellions and incursions during his reign. 1941. MICHAEL VI. 1056-1057. AV Histamenon Nomisma (4.42 gm). Constantinople mint. +IhS XIS REX REGNANT!nM, nimbate bust of Christ / +MD< AHL AU TOCRAT the Virgin crowning Michael SB 1840; DOC Π lb. Choice EE One of the great rarities of the Byzantine series. [See color plate]. ($24,000) The James Fox Collection; ex William Herbert Hunt Collection: Highly Important Byzantine Coins (Sotheby's, 5-6 December 1990), lot 800.
Michael Bringas (or Stratioticus) was an elderly civil servant pushed forward by palace officials to succeed Theodora, the last of the Macedonian dynasty. He was caught squarely in the middle of the strugglefor power between palace and military factions, and was unable to mediate an agreement that would preserve his rule and civ il peace. Michael quietly abdicated in theface ofa revolt by the general Isaac Comnen and retired to a monastery. 1940. T H E O D O R A . 1055-1056 AD. AV Tetarteron (4.01 gm). Constantinople mint IC XC, nimbate bust of Christ / +ΘΕΟΔ AVT, crowned bust of Theodora, holding sceptre and globus crudger. SB 1838; DOC HI 2. NearEF. ($2000) The James Fox Collection.
We are presently accepting consignments for our !March mailSid and June public auctions. , Please contact"KerryWetterstrom at the Lancaster office or Eric Mcjadden at Seaby Coins in London for further details! 1942. ISAAC 1.1057-1059 AD. AV Histamenon (4.37 gm). Constantinople mint. +IhS XIS REX REGNANTInM, Christ enthroned / +ICAAKIOC RA CIAEVC RWM, Isaac standing, in military uniform, holding drawn sword. SB 1843; DOC ΙΠ 2. EF. ($500) The James Fox Collection.