Byzantine Empire, Nicephorus II, 963-969, Histamenon Nomisma 963-964, Constantinople, rare, NGC graded

Byzantine Empire. Nicephorus II Phocas, 963-969 with Basil II. Histamenon Nomisma. Gold 4.42 g. Constantinople, AD 963-964.
Obverse: + IhS XIS RЄX RЄϚNANTIhM, bust of Christ facing, wearing nimbus cruciger with three pellets in each arm, pallium and colobium, right hand raised in benediction, book of Gospels in left //
Reverse: + hIKHΦOP' KAI ЬASIL' AЧΓ R' P', crowned facing busts of Nicephorus II (on left), bearded and wearing loros, and Basil II (on right), beardless, wearing chlamys pinned at right shoulder, jointly holding long patriarchal cross between.

Sear 1777.

A rare Byzantine coin in this condition with only 8 graded to this level and 2 in mint state. Lovely clean strike and surfaces.
NGC graded Ch AU Strike: 5/5 Surface: 4/5