John I Zimisces, 969-976. Histamenon (Gold, 21 mm, 4.10 g, 6 h), Constantinopolis. +IҺS XIS RЄX RЄGNANTIҺm Bust of Christ facing, with cross-nimbus containing pellets in each arm, wearing tunic and himation, his right hand raised and holding book of Gospels in his left. Rev. +ΘЄOTOC'bOHΘ Iω'δЄSP On the right, half-length nimbate figure of the Virgin facing, placing her right hand on the head of John I, wearing crown, surmounted by small cross, and loros; holding between them patriarchal cross; in upper left field, manus Dei; in upper right field, Μ - Θ. DOC 3. SB 1785. Struck from worn dies and somewhat clipped, otherwise, very fine.