Sale: Triton VII, Lot: 1124. Estimate $750.  Closing Date: Monday, 12 January 2004.  Sold For $750. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

BASIL II, Bulgaroktonos, with CONSTANTINE VIII. 976-1025. AV Histamenon Nomisma (4.38 gm). Constantinople mint. Struck circa 977-989. +IhS XIS REX REGNANTInM, nimbate facing bust of Christ, raising hand in benediction and holding Gospels; wedges in arms of cross, pellet in lower left quadrant of nimbus / +bASIL C COnSTAnTI b R', crowned busts of Basil, with short beard and loros, and Constantine, beardless and wearing chlamys, holding patriarchal cross between them; D on cross shaft. DOC III 2g; Wroth BMC 1; SB 1796. EF, areas of weak striking. ($750)

From the Christopher Connell Collection.

Although not mentioned, the tiny pellet within the nimbus is visible on the illustrated DOC and BM specimens. It is apparently a secret control mark.