Anonymous, time of Romanus IV, AE Follis, Constantinople Mint, Circa 1068-1071 AD

$75.00

- + - +
SKU: B3.17 Category:

Description

Anonymous, time of Romanus IV, AE Follis (bronze, 6.33g, 24.5mm), Constantinople Mint, Circa 1068-1071 AD
Obv: IC-XC, Bust of Christ facing with nimbate cross, pallium and colobium, and raising right hand in benediction, scroll in left hand
Rev: Facing waist-length bust of the Virgin Mary, nimbate and wearing pallium and maphorium
Ref: cf. SB 1867 Rarity/Choice: Scarce, VF
Note: Romanus IV, also known as Romanos IV Diogenes, was a Byzantine Emperor who ruled from 1068 to 1071. His reign was marked by military conflicts, including the disastrous Battle of Manzikert against the Seljuk Turks in 1071. Despite initial successes, Romanus IV’s defeat at Manzikert led to the loss of Anatolia and weakened Byzantine authority in the region. He was eventually deposed and blinded, marking the end of his reign and the beginning of a period of instability for the Byzantine Empire.