Michael VIII Palaiologos, Silver, Trikephalon (Aspron Trachy), Constantinople, 1258/1259-1282
Obverse
Virgin seated on a high-back throne. Virgin holds medallion of infant Christ. To left and right in upper field, ΘV.
Symbol
C and Δ on left and right panel of throne, respectively.
Reverse
Full-length figure of Michael VIII Palaiologos. Labarum scepter in right hand, globus with patriarchal cross in left hand. Inscription visible to left, with traces of Π (for “Palaiologos”) to right.
X|MΛ||C-Π
Obverse
Virgin seated on a high-back throne. Virgin holds medallion of infant Christ. To left and right in upper field, ΘV.
Symbol
C and Δ on left and right panel of throne, respectively.
Reverse
Full-length figure of Michael VIII Palaiologos. Labarum scepter in right hand, globus with patriarchal cross in left hand. Inscription visible to left, with traces of Π (for “Palaiologos”) to right.
X|MΛ||C-Π
| Accession number | BZC.2006.12 |
|---|---|
| Ruler | Michael VIII Palaiologos |
| Date of Reign | 1259–1282 |
| Metal | Silver |
| Denomination | Trikephalon (Aspron Trachy) |
| Mint | Constantinople |
| Date | 1258/1259 – 1282 |
| Diameter | 24.0 mm |
| Weight | 2.21 g |
| Relation of Dies | 6:00 |
| Shape | Flat |
Acquisition History
LHS Sale 97, Zurich, 10 May 2006, lot 226. From the Protonotarios collection.
Commentary
This coin is one of the last trikephala of the Palaiologan period and is extremely rare.
DOC 5.1:115, no. 11(b) (similar).
PCPC 20, no. (17).
D. R. Sear, Byzantine Coins and Their Values, no. 2254.