Nicephorus Basilacius, usurper, 1078. Follis (Bronze, 28 mm, 8.29 g, 7 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. Large patriarchal cross in center with IC - XC / NI - KA in angles. DOC p. 706, N.1. SB 1903A. Very rare. Repatinated and with heavy traces of overstriking, otherwise, very fine.


This follis attributed to Nicephorus Basiliacius was overstruck on an Anonymous Class A2 follis. Basilacius was a general and leader of veteran Frankish, Sclavonian, 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, Alexius Comnenus.