Sale: CNG 60, Lot: 2031. Estimate $500.  Closing Date: Wednesday, 22 May 2002.  Sold For $400. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

BASIL II with CONSTANTINE VIII. 976-1025 AD. AR Miliaresion (1.55 gm). Struck 989 AD. Constantinople mint. Nimbate facing bust of the Virgin holding nimbate bust of the infant Christ / Legend in five lines. DOC III 19; SB 1809. Fine, corroded. Very rare. ($500)

This commemorative issue, with its obverse inscription "O Virgin aid the emperors", dates to the battle of Abydos, where Basil defeated the last of his internal opponents for the throne. The reverse inscription is translated as "Mother of God, full of glory, he who puts his trust in you will never fail in his undertakings".