I Bought My First Byzantine Coin

Ah its been a while since posting here, and I am glad to see some of those old traditions, Smackdowns and Countdowns are still thriving here in the ancient section.

Well I just bought my first Byzantine coin. I know next to nothing of the period between 476-1453 AD. I really never had a desire to collect Byzantine coins, but I always wanted a good representative piece for my collection. I looked at many coins, everything from the Large Bronzes, crude AE4's and fabulous Gold coins. I couldn't take the plundge on a gold coin and a large Byzantine Jesus Follis was given to me by a a fellow member and friend (fully infecting me with Byzantine Fever). I collect mostly ancient silver and felt I need Byzantine Silver. I saw a 7th century Hexagram for sale but for a little more than I wanted to spend. This coin appealed to me as it was similar to the Roman Denarius of times long since past. I selected it becuase of the balance of condition and price. The legends are legible although John I's face is worn. A coins of this type in slightly better condition are selling for numbers approaching $1000. To rich for my blood.

I was wondering if someone could share some more info about this coin. It is described as a JOHN I TZIMISCES 969-976 A.D. AR MILIARESION CONSTANTINOPLE MINT

+IHSUS XRISTUS NICA - Cross crosslet on globus above two steps; at centre, circular medallion with facing bust of John dividing the inscription I/W - A/N
+IWANN' / EN / XW / AVTO / CRAT' EVSEb' / bASILEVS / RWMAIW - Legend in lines
SB 1792

The coin is approx. 23 mm x 2.50 g.

I hear Byzantine Silver is rare. I must confess my knowledge of Europe at this period is remedial and spotty at best.

All comments, information, suggestions and or additions are always welcome. If you have them please post your Byzantine Silver coins. I would also like to know more about the inscription, I can read "John" but I don't know what EN XW CRAT EVSEb means. I realize that the end of the legend reads, "King of the Romans", and that is just super cool.

Come on guys, bring on that info. Thanks in advance.