Theodora. Gold Histamenon Nomisma (4.47 g), 1055-1056. Constantinople. + IhS XIS REX REG-NANtihm; Christ, nimbate, standing facing on footstool, wearing pallium and colobium, holding Book of Gospels with both hands. Reverse: + ΘEOΔωPA AVΓOVCTA; Theodora, crowned and wearing loros, and the Virgin, nimbate and wearing pallium and maphorium, standing facing, holding between them a labarum; M-Θ to sides of the Virgin. DOC 1; SB 1837. Rare. NGC photo cert grade Ch AU; Strike: 5/5, Surface: 2/5. Damage. Estimated Value $400 - UP 

In 1042 a popular uprising overthrew the Byzantine emperor Michael V and placed the leadership of the state in the hands of his exiled aunt, Zoe. Despite her popularity, however, Zoe was ill-equipped to rule, so the imperial court petitioned her estranged sister, Theodora, to share the reigns of power with her. Theodora attempted to escape this fate by entering a convent, but was forced to ascend the throne despite her hesitance. Their joint-reign was disastrous as the sisters' acrimonious relationship divided the court into two opposing factions. Zoe even went so far as to marry so that she could better negate Theodora's influence. When Zoe's husband, Constantine IX, lay dying in 1055 (Zoe had died five years before), the 75-year-old Theodora had herself proclaimed empress in her own right. Her sole-rule, during which this coin was struck, saw a purge of the army and officials who had previously showed preference for Zoe and an increased centralization of the imperial administration. Theodora's iron-willed period of autonomous rule did not last and she herself died on 31 August 1056.
Ex The William Oldknow Collection.