[  5158]

Beautiful superb portrait of Jesus Christ
NICEPHORUS II PHOCAS, 15August-10 December 969 -
 Gold Histamenon (23mm, 4.41 gm). Struck 963-969 A.D.
Reference: DO 4. Sear 1778.
+IHS XPS REX REGNATIYM. Facing bust of Christ with decorated nimbus, raising  right hand in benediction and holding Book of Gospels in left.
+ΘEOTOC' b' hΘ' nICHF,dES' Facing bust of the  Virgin, veiled and nimbate and Nicephorus, wearing crown and loros, holding  between them patriarchal cross; at sides of Virgin, M-Θ.