CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICITY

Emperor:
Basil II Bulgaroktonos, with Constantine VIII
Denomination:
AV Histamenon
Composition:
Gold
Date:
circa 1005-1025 AD
Obverse:
+IҺS XIS REX REGNANTIҺm, Bust of Christ Pantocrator facing, wearing nimbus cross ornamented with two crescents in the limbs of the cross, holding book of Gospels and raising right hand
Reverse:
+bASIL C CONStANTI b, Crowned half-length busts, facing, of Basil, wearing loros of square pattern, and Constantine VIII, beardless on right, wearing chlamys, both holding plain cross between them
Reference:
DOC III 6; SBCV 1800
Size:
26mm, 4.42g, 7h
Province:
Constantinopolis
Grade:
gVF, well centred, lustrous surfaces,
Provenance:
ex Leu Numismatik AG Web Auction 2 (3 December 2017), Lot 945
Constantine VIII and Basil II were brothers and co-emperors of the Byzantine Empire. For the duration of their joint reign, Basil II concerned himself with the affairs of the state, whilst Constantine was content to spend his time pursuing leisurely pursuits. After conquering Bulgaria, Basil became known by the cognomen 'Bulgar Slayer' ('Boulgaroktonos'). After Basil died, Constantine became sole ruler. Constantine's reign would last less than 3 years before he too died, but after becoming the longest serving emperor. Both emperors died without a male heir. The Empire passed onto Romanos Argyros, the husband of Constantine's daughter.

I, Peter A. Piliouras of Ancient Coin Traders irrevocably guarantee for life to the Purchaser that this ancient coin is authentic. If this coin is deemed not to be authentic by a professional certification service, then I will refund to the Purchaser the full cost of acquiring the coin (including shipping) together with the certification fees.




__________________________________________________
Signed: Peter Anthony Piliouras


__________________________________________________
Date