US DOLLAR
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AUSTRALIAN DOLLAR
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POUND STERLING
Product Description
This nice anonymous bronze follis coin was minted by Roman Byzantine Emperor Michael IV, dating from 1034 - 1041 AD.. It is of the Class c type, and has a beautiful patina and highly desirable green encrustations that highlight the reverse inscription and large beaded cross in the center. The obverse is worn but once depicted a facing 3/4 standing image of a nimbate Christ Pantocrator, holding the gospels. In Christian iconography, Christ Pantocrator (Christ the Almighty) is a specific depiction of Christ. Pantocrator or Pantokrator, literally "ruler of all", but usually translated as "Almighty" or "all-powerful". The reverse shows a large beaded cross , surrounded by the inscription, IC XC NIKA, meaning 'Jesus Christ, Conquers" or "Victory in Christ".
HISTORY
Starting with emperor John I Tzimisces during his rule which began in 969 AD, and lasting for over a century until Alexius' coinage reform in 1092 AD, the production of follis denomination Byzantine coins featured not an emperor, but religious Christian motifs which included included Jesus Christ, and even the Virgin Mary. These coins were designed to honor Christ and recognize the subservient role of the Byzantine emperor, with many of the reverse inscriptions translating to "Jesus Christ King of Kings" and "May Jesus Christ Conquer". The follis denomination coins were the largest bronze denomination coins issued by the Byzantine empire, and their large size, along with the Christian motif make them a popular coin type for collectors.
