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John V Palaiologos, Silver, Basilikon, Constantinople, 1347-1353

 
 

Obverse

Christ seated on low throne. Right hand on chest, left hand holding book. To left and right, IC̅ XC̅.

Symbol

to left of Christ, B to right.

Reverse

John V and John VI Kantakouzenos standing and holding a long cross between them. IΩA or IUΝ (for Iôannes) in left field and NNHC or ΛΝΚΝ (for Kantakouzenos?) in right field.

Obverse

Christ seated on low throne. Right hand on chest, left hand holding book. To left and right, IC̅ XC̅.

Symbol

to left of Christ, B to right.

Reverse

John V and John VI Kantakouzenos standing and holding a long cross between them. IΩA or IUΝ (for Iôannes) in left field and NNHC or ΛΝΚΝ (for Kantakouzenos?) in right field.

Accession number BZC.2001.26
Ruler John V Palaiologos
Date of Reign 1347–1354
Associated Authority John VI Kantakouzenos
Metal Silver
Denomination Basilikon
Mint Constantinople
Date 13471353
Diameter 21.0 mm
Weight 1.35 g
Relation of Dies 12:00
Shape Flat

Commentary

Not in DOC. Variant of the type cited DOC 5.1:184, no. 6 after Bendall, “Two New Silver Basilika of John V and VI, 1347–1352,” no. 1 (unlike Bendall’s, this specimen does not have X  to left and right of throne and the emperors do not appear to hold an akakia jointly nor a cross scepter in their outer hands).

Eleni Lianta knows of another specimen belonging to a Greek from Florina, near Serres, which has been in the family from the early twentieth century.

Acquisition History

From A. H. Baldwin’s Selection, from Lanz Auction 102, May 2001, no. 1114