Anonymous Folles, time of Nicephorus III, AE Follis, Constantinopole Mint, Circa 1078-1081

$38.00

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SKU: B2.17 Categories: ,

Description

Anonymous Folles, time of Nicephorus III, AE Follis (bronze, 3.44g, 24.5mm), Constantinopole Mint, Circa 1078-1081
Obv:  Bust of Christ facing, nimbate and slightly forked beard, wearing tunic and himation, raising his right in blessing and holding book of Gospels in his left; in fields, IC – XC
Rev: Latin cross, with one large and two small pellets at each extremity; at intersection, small cross; in lower field, at either side, floral ornament; in left and right upper field, crescent
Ref: SB 1889 Rarity/Choice: Common, VF (wavy flan, stripped patina and retoning)
Note: IC – XC are the Greek initials for Jesus Christ (IC: Iesous Christos; XC: Christos); The Anonymous Follis, Class I, from the reign of Nicephorus III Botaniates is a significant numismatic artifact that embodies the religious and artistic values of the late Byzantine Empire. Its detailed imagery of Christ and the embellished cross underscore the importance of Christian symbolism in legitimizing the emperor’s rule and reinforcing the spiritual continuity of the empire. This coin is not only a piece of currency but also a testament to the enduring legacy of Byzantine religious and cultural identity.