 Basil II, Bulgaroktonos, 976-1025 A.D. Gold Histamenon Nomisma. Constantinople. Nimbate facing bust of Christ. Rv. Facing busts of Basil and his brother Constantine VIII, holding a patriarchal cross between them. 3.94 grams. Very minor dirt spot in the upper reverse. Nearly Extremely Fine. (Est. $300-$400)
Most of Basil's half century of reign was spent campaigning against the Bulgars, Fatimids, Georgians and others. Under his resolute determination, the Byzantine Empire reached what was likely the very peak of its power, even as Basil's co-ruler, his brother Constantine contented himself with more worldy pleasures.
Basil's sobriquet Bulgar-Slayer (Bulgaroktonos) was earned in 1014 at the Battle of Kleidon, when the emperor had 14,000 captured Bulgars blinded. With the bloom of his martial power extirpated, the Bulgar tsar Samu'el died of despair.
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