ROMANOS IV DIOGENES (1067-1071)

Obv.:	Bust of Christ, legend: IC XC
Rev.:	Bust of Mother of God with arms spread, legend: MP OV ("Mother of God")

FOLLIS

Obv.:	Bust of Christ, legend: IC XC / NI KA
Rev.:	Cross with Greek letters C B P D (for "Lord help Romanos Diogenes")

HISTORICAL NOTES: Romanos' attempt to end the advance of Seljuk Turks in Asia Minor led to the devastating battle of Mantzikert (1071), where he was taken prisoner, and following which important parts of Asia Minor were forever lost. In the Balkans, his presence is still marked in the well-known St. George's church in Staro Nagoricino (near Kumanovo), which he built the original part of, later to be restored by the Serbian king Milutin.

NUMISMATIC NOTES: The first, anonymous type featured here was only minted during Romanos' short reign, and is unique in that it features Jesus Christ on one side, and Virgin Mary on the other.