John I Zimisces, 969-976. Histamenon (Gold, 23 mm, 4.39 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'bOHΘ IⲰ'δЄSP On the right, half-length nimbate figure of the Virgin facing, placing her right hand on the head of John I, wearing loros, crown surmounted by small cross and holding patriarchal cross in his left hand; in upper field to left, manus Dei; in upper field to right, Μ - Θ. DOC 3. SB 1785. A very attractive example. Minor die breaks, otherwise, extremely fine.