Finally found one after years of searching

[Obryzum]

Actually, I found another one a couple years earlier, but it had been badly damaged.  But here is a specimen I am happy to find.  Rare indeed. 

 

[Joe Sermarini]

I think your post would be more interesting for many members if you identify the coin. 

[Akropolis]

And tell us why it is rare.
PeteB

[OldMoney]

Mine is from a different mint, Cyzicus as opposed to Constantinople,
but here is a similar one I have had for many years, and only sold it
a few months ago. Interested to hear more about yours.

Walter Holt

[joma-tk]

A Constantinopolis follis with cross between Emperor heads is a rare coin indeed.
 

tk

[joma-tk]

OK Robert

on to the next task 
Find same coin (cross between Emperor heads), Constantinopolis mint,  with Christogram instead of cross on reverse (above M)

tk

[Obryzum]

Joe, sorry, I was being deliberately cryptic.  At first glance this is a very common coin.  You look at it and think "I've seen hundreds, if not thousands of these."  I learned about these rare variants with the cross from Thomas, here on this board, a few years ago -- and I have been looking for one ever since.  It's far less than 1% of the issue of Constantinople.  Maybe a tenth of one percent or less?

I figured Thomas would jump in and identify why the coin is rare, and he did not disappoint.   

[joma-tk]

Yes, less than 1% for sure.

At least -following my hint- you manage to find a specimen.
I am still trying -following your hint- to find a Leo VI specimen with AC with no luck after hundreds of specimens examined 

tk