Watch List notes:

Nicephorus I and Stauracius (AD 802-811). AV solidus (20mm, 4.49 gm, 6h). Constantinople, AD 803-811. nICI-FOROS ЬASILЄ', crowned facing bust of Nicephorus, wearing chlamys, holding cross potent and akakia / STAVRA-CIS dЄSPO' X, crowned facing bust of Stauracius, wearing chlamys, holding globus cruciger and akakia. DOC 2a. Sear 1604. Struck on a broad flan, with full legends. Extremely Fine.A vigorous general, although only intermittently successful in the field, Nicephorus seemed to be what the Byzantine Empire needed after the chaos of Irene's interlude as Empress. In 811 he led the Byzantine army into Bulgaria against the Khan Krum. After sacking the Bulgarian capital of Pliska, his army was ambushed and slaughtered in the mountain passes. Nicephorus fell in battle; his son Stauracius was severely wounded but made it back to Constantinople before succumbing. Krum made a drinking cup of Nicephorus' skull and kept it by his side for the rest of his reign.

Estimate: 1800.00-2400.00 USD