TYPE Byzantine Empire, John VIII Palaiologos (1423-48 AD), silver stavraton (half hyperpyron) of Constantinople, 6.69g DESCRIPTION . Obv: Bust of Christ nimbate, IC - XC Rev: Bust of emperor, Greek legend in two bands, commencing outside, +IOANNIS DESPOTIS O PALEOLOGOS / +ThU HARITI VASILEVS TON ROMEON (partial) REFERENCE: SB 2564 GRADING: AVF, uneven strike, toned ORDER INFO: B2526, $95 A decent example of this last Byzantine issue to be produced in some quantity, with the crude and partial, but characteristic long reverse legend. Despite a plethora of pious inscriptions on Byzantine coinage, this formula ("by the grace of God" [emperor of the Romans]) is an uncommon late-comer, although it is subsequently to become the standard one for the kings and emperors of European monarchies (usually in its Latin form "Dei gratia").