BASIL II with CONSTANTINE VIII. 976-1025 AD. AR Miliaresion (2.71 gm). 
      Struck 989 AD. QCE b, Q, TOIS bASILS', nimbate bust of the Virgin holding 
      nimbate bust of the infant Christ; MP QV at shoulders / + MER 
      QU/DEDOIASM/O EIS SE EL'/PIZWn OU/CAPOT X in five lines. DOC III 19; BN 
      7-8; SB 1809. Fine, rough surfaces somewhat smoothed. Very rare. ($2000) 
      This commemorative issue, with its obverse inscription "O Virgin aid the 
      emperors", dates to the battle of Abydos, where Basil defeated the last of 
      his internal opponents for the throne. The reverse inscription is 
      translated as "Mother of God, full of glory, he who putteth his trust in 
      thee will never fail in his undertakings".


Triton V Sale, 16 Jan 2002, lot 2301.

  Lot was unsold.

By permission of CNG, www.cngcoins.com.