Coin, Michael VII 1071-1078, Histamenon Nomisma
1071-1078 AD - Constantinople
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Christ, nimbate, seated facing on throne, holding book of Gospels.
Crowned facing bust of Michael, holding labarum and globus cruciger
IX-XC
MIXAHA RACIA O D
4.41 gr
An “AU(55-58)” 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(55-58)
This means – more prosaically – that the coin has been in circulation but sufficiently little that its original beauty is preserved almost in its entirety. The wear is barely visible and any other defect can only be identified with a magnifying glass or a particularly keen eye. The number (55-58) indicates that between three quarters and almost all of the original luster remains.