Sale: CNG 60, Lot: 2037. Estimate $1000.  Closing Date: Wednesday, 22 May 2002.  Sold For $975. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

THEODORA. 1055-1056 AD. AV Histamenon Nomisma (4.39 gm). Constantinople mint. Christ standing facing on footstool, holding Gospels / Theodora and the Virgin standing facing, holding labarum with pellet on the shaft between them. DOC III 1a; SB 1837. Good VF. ($1000)

After the death of Constantine IX, Theodora was the sole surviving member of the Macedonian dynasty founded by Basil I, and ruled as empress in her own right for over a year. The elderly Theodora ruled with a firm hand, in stark contrast to the weak non-entities that preceded and followed her.