Nomos AG
obolos 25 23 Oct 2022
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Nicephorus Basilacius, usurper, 1078. Follis (Bronze, 28 mm, 8.33 g), uncertain provincial mint in Thrace or Macedon, probably Thessalonica. IC - XC Nimbate bust of Christ facing, wearing pallium and colobium, raising right hand in benediction and holding Gospels in left. Rev. IC - XC / NI - KA Patriarchal cross on base. R. Bland, "A Follis of Nicephorus Basilacius?" NC 1992, pl. 36, B. DOC, p. 706, N.1. SB 1903A. Extremely rare. Overstruck on an Anonymous Class A2 follis, SB 1813. Very fine.
The usurper Basiliacius was a general of Michael VII, who sent him against Nicephorus Bryennius, the Duke of Dyrrachion whose loyalty was in question. Bryennius convinced Basilacius to take possession of Thessalonica while he himself made a bid for the throne. However, at the same time that Basilacius and Bryennius were plotting against Michael, Nicephorus Botaniates usurped the throne in Constantinople, then sending his general Alexius Comnenus to deal with the rebels. Both Bryennius and Basilacius were defeated by Alexius, who in turn took the throne from Botaniates a short time later.
The usurper Basiliacius was a general of Michael VII, who sent him against Nicephorus Bryennius, the Duke of Dyrrachion whose loyalty was in question. Bryennius convinced Basilacius to take possession of Thessalonica while he himself made a bid for the throne. However, at the same time that Basilacius and Bryennius were plotting against Michael, Nicephorus Botaniates usurped the throne in Constantinople, then sending his general Alexius Comnenus to deal with the rebels. Both Bryennius and Basilacius were defeated by Alexius, who in turn took the throne from Botaniates a short time later.