There are two similar AE types of Nicephorus II. They are the only two follis types for that emperor. The first one just arrived and I've had the second one a long time. Can you see the difference? 24-23 mm. 5.82 grams. 23 mm. 8.82 grams. The first is Sear 1783 (DOC III.II Nicephorus II 7) and the second Sear 1782 (DOC 8). The difference is on the obverses; the reverse legends are the same. +ҺICHF/ЄҺΘЄWbA/SILЄVSRW/MAIWҺ The faces are very similar. However, the second has the emperor dressed in a loros (the shirt with big dots), holding a labarum (a staff with a squarish head) and holding a globus cruciger (a globe with a cross on it). The first has the emperor with a loros but also an additional garment over it ornamented with pearls, holding a long cross (instead of a standard), and the globe has a trefoil ornament on it, not a cross. I'd love to have better examples to show you, but they are hard to come by. Even Sear's plate coin for 1783 is only a bit better (He does not have a plate coin for 1782). The obverse legend is supposed to be: ҺICFR B-ASIL RW (first coin, Sear 1783) and on the second, ҺICFR BASIL ROW. DOC has those legends too. I think I see more letters than that on the top coin's left side, but these are usually overstruck and some of the extra letters (if there are any) may be from an undertype. I'd love to see other folles of Nicephorus II, or anything related.
Another interesting Emperor of Byzantine. Here are my examples of Nicephorus II. As usual, they are overstruck and sometimes very badly. Furthermore, as @Valentinian indicates, they don't fair well, typically in condition... Byzantine Empire: Nicephorus II Phocas (963-969) Æ Follis, Constantinople (Sear 1782; DOC 8) Obv: +ҺICIFRb ASILЄVRШ; Crowned bust of Nicephorus II facing, bearded, wearing robe with V-shaped opening and crown with cross and pendilia; in right hand, cross scepter; in left, globus surmounted by trefoil Rev: +ҺICHF / ЄҺΘЄШbA / SILЄVRШ / MAIШҺ in four lines Dim: 23.5mm, 6.03g, 6h Byzantine Empire: Nicephorus II Phocas (963-969) Æ Follis, Constantinople (Sear 1783; DOC 7) Obv: +ҺICIFRb ASILЄVRШ; Crowned bust of Nicephorus II facing, bearded, wearing robe with V-shaped opening and crown with cross and pendilia; in right hand, cross scepter; in left, globus surmounted by trefoil Rev: +ҺICHF / ЄҺΘЄШbA / SILЄVRШ / MAIШҺ in four lines Dim: 27.7mm, 8.86g, 6h
Q.G, those are outstanding portraits for Nicephorus II. When Valentinian is saying "I'd love to have better examples to show you, but they are hard to come by", he clearly speaks about the better examples. Took me approx 2 months to decide that I do not actually want a follis of Nicephorus II, and during this time, noted that his coins are often offered on ebay, so they are not rare overall, but the condition is miserable. Noted also that not many appear in the respectable auction houses' offer, mainly because of the poor condition, rather than rarity (?).
I was so impressed with @Quant.Geek's examples that I found one for myself as well. This is SB 1783, I'm pretty sure. Nikephoros II Phokas AE Follis 963 - 969 A.D., Constantinople Mint, null Officina 5.20g, 23.0mm, 6H Obverse: +NICIFR bASIL RW, Emperor, crowned bust facing with short beard, wearing loros and additional jewelled robe, holding cross-topped sceptre and trefoil on globe Reverse: +NICHF,/ ЄҺΘЄW bA/SILEVS RW/MAIWҺ, Legend in 4 lines Exergue: - Provenance: Ex. Savoca Blue Auction 7, Lot 1791 Reference: SBCV 1783
Thanks everyone. These two were some of the nicest example of Nicephorus II Phocas I have seen and was so glad to have picked them up. Here is my previous example that is similar to what is typically found:
Only have one from him....from Rauch auction AV Solidus ND Constantinople Mint After Emperor Romanus II was poisoned by his wife (Empress Theophano), a General named Nicephorus Phocas was appointed as Emperor. He then made the fatal mistake to marry Theophano. While away campaigning vs the Arabs and Bulgars, Theophano fooled around with John Tzimiskles. She then had her new lover murder her second husband. John then became Emperor/ and married the evil Theophano.
I certainly agree with all of the above Nicephorus II are hard to find in upper grades. I keep adding as I find better. Could end of with a grading guide before I leave these worldly matters behind. Hope springs eternal.