Nikephoros Melissenos, magistros, bestarches and katepano and judge of Cyprus, circa 1065-1075. Seal (Lead, 31 mm, 12.89 g, 12 h). MHP - ΘV The Mother of God “Hodegetria”, nimbate, wearing chiton and maphorion, pointing with her right hand towards Infant Christ seated on her left arm. Rev. +ΘKЄ [R],Θ, / [NI]KHΦOPω / MAΓICTP, RЄ/TAP... KATЄΠA/Nω [S KPIT] KV/ΠP૪ ... [Tω M]Є/... in seven lines. Metcalf, Cyprus, 200. SBS 6, p. 151. Brocken and repaired, otherwise, good very fine.
Nikephoros belonged to ancient Byzantine aristocracy and was a noted military commander. During the rebellion of Nikephoros Botaneiates (1078-1081), he remained loyal to Michael VII Doukas and was exiled to Kos after the emperor was deposed in 1078. In 1080, Melissenos went to Asia Minor where, with the aid of Turkish mercenaries, he gained control of several cities and was eventually proclaimed emperor in 1080. In 1081, however, Melissenos submitted to his brother-in-law Alexios Komnenos, who had captured the capital earlier that year. He went on to serve Alexios for the remainder of his life and died in retirement on his estates near Thessalonica in 1104