Michael VIII Palaiologos, Silver, Trikephalon (Aspron Trachy), Thessalonike, 1272
Obverse
Frontal bust of St. Nicholas. IC||II in left field, right field obscure.
Reverse
Central bust of Christ flanked by IC̅ XC̅ crowning the kneeling figures of Andronikos II, beardless, on left, and Michael VIII Palaiologos, bearded, on right. The emperors hold between them patriarchal cross on triangular base with Andronikos II’s hand above that of Michael VIII Palaiologos.|N|Δ blundered in left field, right field inscription illegible.
Obverse
Frontal bust of St. Nicholas. IC||II in left field, right field obscure.
Reverse
Central bust of Christ flanked by IC̅ XC̅ crowning the kneeling figures of Andronikos II, beardless, on left, and Michael VIII Palaiologos, bearded, on right. The emperors hold between them patriarchal cross on triangular base with Andronikos II’s hand above that of Michael VIII Palaiologos.|N|Δ blundered in left field, right field inscription illegible.
| Accession number | BZC.2006.11 |
|---|---|
| Catalogue ID | as DOC 5.1:115, no. (44) |
| Ruler | Michael VIII Palaiologos |
| Date of Reign | 1259–1282 |
| Associated Authority | Andronikos II Palaiologos |
| Metal | Silver |
| Denomination | Trikephalon (Aspron Trachy) |
| Mint | Thessalonike |
| Date | 1272 |
| Diameter | 22.0 mm |
| Weight | 1.95 g |
| Relation of Dies | 6:00 |
| Shape | Flat |
Acquisition History
LHS Sale 97, Zurich, 10 May 2006, lot 225. From the Protonotarios collection.
Commentary
This coin is double-struck on both faces. Morrisson believes the coin may be the second known specimen. The other is in the former Kapamadji collection (S. Boutin, Monnaies des empires de Byzance, de Nicée, de Trébizonde, 89, no. 697).