Michael VII, Histamenon Nomisma, 1071-1078
Constantinople - Electrum - AU(50-53)
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Bust of Christ facing, wearing a nimbus cruciger, pallium and colobium, raising his right hand in sign of blessing and holding the book of Gospels with his left.
Half- length bust of Michel VII Ducas, facing, wearing a crown with pendilia, dressed with a loros, holding a labarum with a pelleted cross in his right hand and a globus cruciger in his left.
Multiple belonging graffitis inscribed in what seem to be cursive Greek letters. On the observe, above Christ, from left to right it could be an “X” (Chi), “Ψ” (Psi), and two “Λ” (lambda). Another one is in the lower right quarter, but it's difficult to determine which letters it might be. On the reverse, again in cursive Greek, above the emperor, it could be a “P” (Rho), and then, for the next letter, several possibilities, perhaps a T, an Φ or Ψ and the following letter or letters are undetermined. Finally, in the lower left quarter, an X (or an A?) and perhaps a “Π”. Nonetheless, it remains difficult to determine exactly which letters are inscribed on this coin, since the reading orientation is uncertain and the engraving of the letters by scratching the flan is not easy due to its size and the precision required. All of this makes this coin extremely interesting, and we have evidence of its circulation in several hands. Successive owners wanted to be sure that their coin would be recognizable, and therefore not stolen, by inscribing what appears to be part of their name.
IC - XC
+ ΜΙΧΑΗΛ RACIΛ O Δ
4.36 gr
An “AU(50-53)” quality
As in numismatics, it is important that the state of conservation of an item be carefully evaluated before it is offered to a discerning collector with a keen eye.
This initially obscure acronym comprising two words describing the state of conservation is explained clearly here:
About Uncirculated(50-53)
This means – more prosaically – that the coin has circulated well from hand to hand and pocket to pocket but the impact on its wear remains limited: the coins displays sharp detailing and little sign of being circulated. The number (50-53) indicates that at least half of the original luster remains. Closer examination with the naked eye reveals minor scratches or nicks.
You might be wondering why there are different ranges of numbers behind the same abbreviation. Well, we’ll explain:
The numbers are subdivisions within a category, showing that the state of conversation is the same but coins may be at the higher or lower end of the scale. In the case of AU, the range (55-58) indicates that the luster is better preserved in than a similar coin described as (50-53).
