Sale: CNG 69, Lot: 1889. Estimate $1500.  Closing Date: Wednesday, 8 June 2005.  Sold For $2800. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

MICHAEL VII Ducas. 1071-1078. Æ Half Follis (2.74 gm, 6h). Constantinople mint. Facing bust of Christ; stars flanking / Crowned facing bust of Michael, holding labarum and globus cruciger. DOC III 15; SB 1880A. Good VF, dark green patina. Extremely rare. ($1500)

Much better than the Heckman specimen (Triton VIII, lot 1452). Although other, later bronze types are found on small, lightweight flans, this coin appears to be the last bronze issue that is a fractional denomination of a follis (SB 1878).