Nicephorus II Phocas (AD 963-969). AV histamenon nomisma (20mm, 4.13 gm, 6h). NGC AU 5/5 - 3/5, clipped. Constantinople, AD 963-969. + IhS XIS RЄX' RЄϚNANTIhm, bust of Christ facing, wearing nimbus cruciger with two pellets in each arm, pallium and colobium, raising right hand in benediction, book of Gospels cradled in left arm / + ΘЄOTOC' Ь' HΘ' hICHF' dЄSP', half-length facing busts of the nimbate Virgin Mary (on left), wearing stola and maphorium, and Nicephorus II (on right), wearing loros and crown with pendilia, jointly holding patriarchal cross with pellet on shaft between them; barred M-Θ flanking Virgin. Sear 1778. This example is well-centered and lightly toned.

HID09801242017

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