Description: Michael VII (1071 - 1078). AE Follis, Constantinople mint. IC - XC; bust of Christ facing, cross behind head, wearing pallium and colobium, raising right in benediction, Gospels in left, large star right and left / + MIXAHA RACIΛ O Δ; bearded bust facing wearing crown and loros, holding labarum and globus cruciger.

Diameter: AE25 mm

Weight: 5,6 g

Grade: aVF/gF

Attribution: SBCV 1878

Commentary: overstruck on follis of Romanus IV with nearly identical reverse and two Christ images overlapping

History: In 1071 after the loss of Bari, the last Byzantine possesion in Italy, and after the desastrous defeat at the Battle of Manzikert four months later, Michael VII was crowned the senior emperor with the empire crumbling around him.

Article Number: 046-06-01-41652