Michael VI Stratioticus, 1056-1057. Tetarteron (Gold, 20 mm, 4.00 g, 6 h), Constantinopolis. MHP - ΘV Nimbate bust of Virgin Mary facing, orans, wearing pallium and maphorium. Rev. +MIXAHΛ AVTOCRΛT Michael VI, bearded, standing facing on cushion, wearing loros and crown with pendilia, holding long cross in his right hand and akakia in his left. DOC 2. SB 1841. Very rare and in exceptional condition for the issue. A beautiful piece, very well centered on a very broad flan and undoubtedly among the finest known. The reverse struck from a slightly worn die and with minor doubling, otherwise, extremely fine.



Michael VI Bringas, nicknamed Stratiotikos ('the Military One') and Geron ('the Old'), ruled the Byzantine Empire for just one year, from August 1056 to August 1057. A longtime bureaucrat and former military finance minister, he was chosen by Empress Theodora shortly before her death, largely as a compromise candidate favored by the court elite.

Though experienced in civil administration, Michael alienated the military aristocracy by rewarding bureaucrats while ignoring the grievances of army commanders. Tensions escalated when he refused to restore estates to the general Nikephoros Bryennios, prompting a revolt led by Isaac Komnenos. Michael’s forces were defeated at the Battle of Petroe, and Isaac advanced on Constantinople.

Michael tried to negotiate by offering Isaac co-rule, but the capital's population backed the general. Under pressure from Patriarch Michael Keroularios, Michael VI abdicated in August 1057 and retired to a monastery, where he died shortly thereafter. His reign marked the end of the Macedonian dynasty and reflected the growing rift between the civilian and military factions of the empire.