John I Zimisces, 969-976. Histamenon (Gold, 21 mm, 4.42 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, with Μ - Θ above er head, crowing the emperor with her right hand; above his head, manus Dei; on the left, half-length figure of John I Zimisces facing, wearing loros and crown surmounted by a small cross, holding long cross in his left hand. DOC 2. SB 1786. Very rare. Light scratches, otherwise, about extremely fine.