Nicephorus II Phocas, 963-969. Histamenon (Gold, 21 mm, 4.36 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'b'HΘ'ҺICHF'δЄSP On the left, half-length nimbate figure of the Virgin facing between Μ - Θ; on the right, half-length figure of Nicephorus II, wearing crown, surmounted by a small cross, and loros; holding between them patriarchal cross. DOC 4. SB 1778. A sharp, clear and attractive example. Tiny marks and very minor doubling on the reverse, otherwise, extremely fine.