Watch List notes:

ROMAN & BYZANTINE COINS

John I Zimisces, 969-976. Histamenon (Gold, 22mm, 4.34 g 6), Constantinople, 969-976. +IhS XIS REX REgNANTIhm Draped bust of Christ Pantocrator, bearded and with a cross nimbus, raising his right hand in benediction and holding book of gospels with his left. Rev. ΘEOTOC bOHΘ'IW dESP On the left, crowned facing bust of John I wearing loros and holding a patriarchal cross with his left hand; to right, nimbate, draped facing bust of the Virgin, touching the John's crown with her right hand; above, hand of God; above the Virgin's head, ΜΘ. DOC 3. SB 1785. Rare. A nice clear piece. Extremely fine.