Rebel General - Nicephorus Basiliacus
Triton XVII, Lot: 892. Estimate $1000. Sold for $1400. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee. |
|
Nicephorus Basilacius. Usurper, 1078. Æ Follis (24mm, 4.16 g, 5h). Thessalonica mint. Facing bust of Christ Pantokrator; IC XC across fields / Jewelled patriarchal cross set on base; C B/ N B in quarters. DOC 2c (Nicephorus Bryennius); SB 1890. Good Fine, green patina, deposits, some roughness. Extremely rare.
Nicephorus Basilacius was a rebel general who held the city of Thessalonica during the summer of 1078, revolting against the legitimate emperor Nicephorus III, Botaniates. He was overcome by Alexius Comnenus, a loyal general, but one who soon turned against Botaniates when Alexius' brother-in-law, Nicephorus Melissenus, also revolted.