Basil II and Constantine VIII; Class A2; 1023-1028, Anonymous Follis

Stunning portrait on large flan (32.5mm; 12.41g) with beautiful patina and high quality. A standout for this type.

Class A2 Byzantine Follis. Basil II and Constantine VIII (AD 976–1025).

Obverse: Facing bust of Christ Pantokrator, nimbate with cruciform halo, holding the Gospels with five pellet; legend +EMMANOVHΛ.

Reverse: Inscription proclaiming the kingship of Christ in four lines: +IhSUS XRISTUS / bASILEU / bASILE.

This issue belongs to the celebrated anonymous bronze series of the late tenth and early eleventh centuries, in which imperial portraits were replaced by overtly religious imagery. By asserting Christ as king rather than naming the reigning emperor, the series projected dynastic legitimacy and divine authority during the long joint reign of Basil II and Constantine VIII.