Lot 3546

Description

Nicephoros II Phocas with Basil II, (A.D.963-969), gold solidus, Constantinople mint, (4.10 g), obv. Christ enthroned facing wearing nimbus, raising right hand in benediction, also holding Gospels, around + IhS XIS REX REGNANTINM*, rev. +**Q*EOTOC' bH**Q* NICF DESP around, facing busts of the Virgin nimbate on left, M **Q* each side of her neck and Nicephoros with short beard on right, wearing crown and loros, between them long patriarchal cross, (S.1778, DOC 4, R.1912). Good very fine and rare.

Ex D.J.Foster Collection and previously from Spink Noble Sale 41 (lot 2323).