Basil II, Bulgaroktonos (976-1025), circular inscription **, bust of Christ, bearded, facing, wearing nimbus cruciger, chiton and himation, holding Gospels in left hand and blessing with right, in field to left and right **, rev. bust of Basil, bearded, facing, wearing crown, divitision and loros, holding globus surmounted by patriarchal cross in right hand, akakia in left, 18.74g. (ZV 75a), very fine

Details

Basil II, Bulgaroktonos (976-1025), circular inscription **, bust of Christ, bearded, facing, wearing nimbus cruciger, chiton and himation, holding Gospels in left hand and blessing with right, in field to left and right **, rev. bust of Basil, bearded, facing, wearing crown, divitision and loros, holding globus surmounted by patriarchal cross in right hand, akakia in left, 18.74g. (ZV 75a), very fine

Lot Essay

Basil II, son of Romanus II and grand-son of Constantine VII, reigned from 976 to 1025, the longest reign in Byzantine history. This period marked the apogee of the mediaeval state. As well as defending his eastern frontiers, Basil reconquered the Balkans up to the Danube, and destroyed the empire of the Bulgarian king Samuel, winning for himself the cognomen 'Bulgar-slayer'.