Nicephorus Basilacius, usurper, 1078. Follis (Bronze, 26 mm, 8.05 g, 6 h), Thessalonica. Nimbate bust of Christ facing, wearing tunic and pallium, raising his right hand in benediction and holding scroll in his left; in fields, IC - XC. Rev. Jewelled patriarchal cross on two steps; at center, X; in fields, C - B / N - B. DOC 2 (Nicephorus Bryennius). SB 1890. Very rare. Traces of overstriking on the obverse, otherwise, very fine.

Nicephorus Basilacius was a general and leader of veteran Frankish, Sclavenian, Albanian and Greek mercenaries who tried to grab the Byzantine throne for himself after the dethronement of Michael VII. He was, however, defeated by a worthy opponent, the future Byzantine emperor, Alexios Komnenos