Nicephorus II Phocas, 963-969. Histamenon (Gold, 20 mm, 4.44 g, 6 h), Constantinopolis. +IҺS XIS RЄX RЄGNANTIҺm Bust of Christ facing, with cross-nimbus with two crescents in upper quarters, wearing tunic and himation, raising his right hand in benediction and holding book of Gospels in his left. Rev. +ΘЄOTOC bHΘ ҺICHF δЄSP' On the left, half-length nimbate figure of the Virgin facing, flanked by Μ - Θ; on the right, half-length figure of Nicephorus II facing, wearing loros and crown surmounted by a small cross; both holding between them patriarchal cross. DOC 4. SB 1778. A beautiful example with an excellent reverse. A few minor scrapes on the obverse, otherwise, good extremely fine.