Rare gold histamenon of Nicephorus II.
The first depiction of the Mother of God on a gold coin as a symbol of the protection of the Mother of God over the ruler.
Ex. Roma Numismatics, e-Sale 93, 2022.
Byzantine Empire
Nicephorus II Phocas (963–969), Histamenon, Constantinople mint
Obverse: Christ Pantokrator
⧾ IҺS XPS RЄX RЄϚNANTȠ'ᙏ
Reverse: half-length facing busts of the Virgin, and Nicephorus, wearing crown and loros, holding patriarchal cross between them; M-Θ inscripion
⧾ ΘЄOTOC' b' HΘ' ҺICHF, ∂ЄSP
Diameter 21 mm, weight 4.47 g
