TYPE Byzantine Empire, Nikephoros II Phokas (963-9 AD), bronze follis, Constantinople mint, 11.13g DESCRIPTION . Obv: Crowned bust of Nikephoros facing, in loros, holding cruciform scepter and globe surmonted by trefoil, Greek legend NIKIFR BASILE RO (partial), elements of undertype (text) visible to the sides Rev: 4-line Greek legend NICIF EN ThEO BASIL ROMAION (partial) REFERENCE: SB 1783, DO 8.8 GRADING: VF / AF, mixed green patina, irregular edge, typically o/s, encrusted rev. ORDER INFO: B2570, $45 Despite some obvious reverse surface problems, still a pleasing and massive coin, with one of the most accomplished emperor portraits of the pre-anonymous follis era.