Byzantine Empire bronze Follis, anonymous but attributed to dates 975-1035 (reign of Basil II and Constantine VIII), authenticated and encapsulated by NGC, Class A2 or A3.  This time of the Middle Ages was rough for most of Europe but was the most glorious years of what had been the Eastern Roman Empire, and who still called themselves "Romaioi" - Greek for Romans.  In these years, instead of an emperor being featured on these bronze coins, Jesus Christ - so labeled as IC XC - was depicted, and further described on the reverse, translated as:  "Jesus Christ, King of Kings," the "+ihsys Xristys Basiley Basile" seen there.  The follis was the one - to - five dollar bill of its day; it was common enough in bronze to be used for everyday grocery and household item transactions, and so wore much.  Most specimens recovered today are also corroded from 1200 years of burial in soil.  We are pleased to offer this specimen of that glorious period of the empire's history in NGC authenticated form.