BYZANTINE EMPIRE: Basil II Bulgarochtonus, 976-1025, AV histamenon nomisma (4.20g), Constantinople, S-1797, nimbate bust of Christ facing, holding the book of Gospels // busts of Basil II and Constantine VIII, holding shaft with patriarchal cross crosslet, strike 5/5, surface 5/5, NGC graded AU, R, ex Choudhury Collection. Basil II's conquest of Bulgaria and cruel treatment of captives (reportedly blinding 99 out of every 100 of the 15,000 Bulgarian captives after the Battle of Kleidion) earned him the nickname Bulgarochtonus, the Bulgar Slayer.
Estimate: USD 750 - 850