Nicephorus Bryennius, 1077-1078. Follis (Bronze, 30 mm, 8.09 g, 4 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; in fields, C - B / N - B. DOC 2a. SB 1890 (attributed to Nicephorus Basilacius). Very rare. Repatinated and with heavy traces of overstriking, otherwise, about very fine.


Nicephorus Bryennius, duke of Durazzo, rebelled against Michael VII in October 1077 and subsequently gained control over most of Macedonia and Thrace. His aspirations to the throne ended abruptly in the spring of 1078 with the Battle of Kalavrye, which he lost against the general and future emperor Alexius Comnenus. His son, also named Nicephorus, had a brilliant career under the Comnenians, however, and married Alexius' eldest daughter, Anna, the author of the Alexiad .