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Home ▸ Catalog ▸ |Byzantine Coins| ▸ |Comnen Dynasty||View Options:   | | | |
Akmoneia (Acmonea) was an important city of central Phrygia, located on a tributary of the river Senaros.RP114987. Brass AE 20, RPC I 3168; BMC Phrygia p. 9, 33; SNG Cop 23; AMC I 1372; Waddington 5482, aVF, blue-green enhanced (paint?) patina, areas of bare brass, porous, part of edge ragged, weight 4.913 g, maximum diameter 19.9 mm, die axis 0o, Akmoneia (Ahat Koyu, Turkey) mint, 16 Jan 27 B.C. - 19 Aug 14 A.D.; obverse ΣEBAΣTOΣ (clockwise behind), laureate head of Augustus right, lituus before lower right; reverse Nike advancing right, raising wreath in right hand, palm frond in left hand; AKMONE/ΩN KPATHΣ / MHNOKPITOY (Akmoneia, [magistrate] Krates, son of Menokritos) starting in two upward lines on the left, ending counterclockwise on the left; $90.00 (€84.60)
Byzantine Empire, Duchy of Trebizond, Theodore Gabras, c. 1075 - 1126 A.D.
The general Theodore Gabras captured Trebizond and ruled it and the theme of Chaldia as a virtually autonomous state (c. 1081 - 1098). He was celebrated for his martial exploits, and was later venerated as a saint in the region. Following the dissolution of the Byzantine Empire by the Fourth Crusade in 1204, the region became the center of the new Empire of Trebizond which survived until falling to the Ottomans in 1461.BZ113699. Bronze follis, Bendall Trebizond, issue 12, pl. 7, 15 - 16; DOC IV Trebizond p. 432, 12; undertype: Bendall Trebizond, issue 11, pl. 6, 13, aVF, strong undertype effects resulting in an obscure reverse type, encrustations, porosity, clipped polygonal flan with 8 sides (as minted), weight 3.411 g, maximum diameter 23.5 mm, die axis 180o, Trebizond (Trabzon, Turkey) mint, reign of Alexius I Comnenus, c. 1100 A.D.; obverse facing bust of Christ, bearded and nimbate, larger pellet with four smaller pellets around in each limb of cross, wearing tunic and himation, Gospels in right hand, IC - XC (Greek abbreviation: Ihsoús Xristós - Jesus Christ) across field; reverse bust of St. Demetrius, beardless, nimbate, wearing tunic, breastplate and sagion, spear in right hand over right shoulder, Θ left, Δ/I/M in a column right (Greek abbreviation: St. Demetrius); first specimen of this type handled by FORVM, zero sales of this type listed on Coin Archives in the last two decades; extremely rare; $200.00 (€188.00)
Byzantine Empire, Duchy of Chaldia, Gregorios Taronites, c. 1103 - 1106 A.D., In the Name of Alexius I Comnenus
Gregorios Taronites was made Dux of Trebizond by Alexius I after military successes against the Seljuks. He almost immediately rebelled. While the emperor sought a diplomatic solution, Taronites went so far as to publicly insult the imperial family. Captured, Alexius intended to have him blinded but he was granted clemency and instead paraded through the streets of Constantinople and then thrown into the Prison of Anemas. At first, Gregory remained obstinate and continued to hurl abuse on the emperor from his cell, but was persuaded to recant and beseech the emperor's pardon. In the end, he was not only released and pardoned, but accorded even higher honors.BZ113700. Bronze follis, Bendall Trebizond p. 133, 13B & pl. 7, 19; DOC IV-1 p. 433, 13b; Schlumberger pl. ii, 5; Hendy -; Wroth BMC -; Ratto -, aVF, off center, overstruck (on Alexius I anonymous Class J?) with strong undertype effects, pitting, weight 4.175 g, maximum diameter 27.2 mm, die axis 0o, Trebizond (Trabzon, Turkey) mint, reign of Alexius I Comnenus, c. 1103 - 1106 A.D.; obverse facing bust of Christ, bearded and nimbate, wearing tunic and himation, Gospels in right hand, IC - XC (Greek abbreviation: Ihsoús Xristós - Jesus Christ) across field; reverse Latin cross on three steps, globule at end of each arm, A-Λ / B - P (Greek abbreviation: Αλεξιο Βασιλευς Ρωμαιων - Alexius king of the Romans) in angles; rare; $160.00 (€150.40)
Byzantine Empire, Michael VII Ducas, 24 October 1071 - 24 March 1078 A.D.
Sear notes the type is frequently overstruck on folles of Romanus IV, SBCV 1866.BZ112960. Bronze follis, DOC III-2 14a; Wroth BMC 24; Morrisson BnF 55/Cp/AE/03; Ratto 2041; Berk 958; Sommer 55.8; SBCV 1878, VF, overstruck, rev. off center, edge split, weight 5.414 g, maximum diameter 27.2 mm, die axis 180o, Constantinople (Istanbul, Turkey) mint, obverse bust of Christ facing, cross behind head, wearing pallium and colobium, raising right in benediction, star on cover of Gospels in left hand, IC - XC (Greek abbreviation: Ihsoús Xristós - Jesus Christ) flanking above stars; reverse + MIXAHΛ RACIΛ O Δ, bearded bust facing, wearing crown and loros, labarum in right hand, globus cruciger in left hand; $70.00 (€65.80)
Byzantine Empire, Duchy of Chaldia, Theodore Gabras, c. 1075 - 1098 A.D., Reign of Alexius I Comnenus
Theodore Gabras' crowning glory was the recapture of Trebizond from the Seljuk Turks c. 1075, which he ruled for years as if it were his own personal fiefdom. By the late 1080s, Theodore was residing at Constantinople. To keep him in check, Alexios I made Theodore Dux of Chaldia and ordered him to take up his post, leaving his eldest son Gregory at the court. By 1091, Theodore returned to the capital, demanding the return of his son. Alexios refused, claiming he was contemplating marrying the boy to one of his own daughters. Doubting the emperor, Theodore sailed with his son to Trebizond in secret. Alexios sent a squadron of ships which overtook Theodore and advised him that if he refused to hand over his son, he would be arrested as a rebel. Theodore allowed Alexios’ emissaries to take Gregory back with them, while he continued back to Trebizond. Gregory attempted to escape but was discovered and imprisoned. A man of Theodore's military talents was too good to waste, and by 1097 he was once again at the front line fighting the Turks in alliance with the Crusaders. While the Franks were engaged at the Siege of Antioch, Theodore was marching with Alexios, helping him recapture towns in western Asia Minor. In 1098 he was captured by the Danishmends and martyred. He was later venerated as a saint. His younger son Constantine Gabras succeeded him as Dux of Chaldia. Following the dissolution of the Byzantine Empire by the Fourth Crusade in 1204, the region became the center of the new Empire of Trebizond which survived until falling to the Ottomans in 1461. The feast day of Saint Theodoros Gabras is 2 October.BZ113696. Bronze follis, Bendall Trebizond p. 132, 10 & pl. 6, 10; DOC IV-1 p. 431 & pl. XXV, 10; SBCV -, Hendy -, Wroth -, Ratto -, aF, overstruck, rough, scratch, clipped polygonal flan with 9 sides (as struck), weight 2.963 g, maximum diameter 24.8 mm, Trebizond (Trabzon, Turkey) mint, reign of Alexius I Comnenus, c. 1075 - 1090 A.D.; obverse facing bust of St. Theodore, nimbate, wearing tunic, breast plate and sagion, sword in right hand over right shoulder, shield in left hand,
/ Θ-E/O/Δ (Saint Theodore) in downward columns left and right; cross, etc. from under-type; reverse Latin cross, pellet at each end; very rare; $140.00 (€131.60) Byzantine Empire, Nicephorus III Botaniates, 7 January 1078 - 1 April 1081
After the inept rule of Michael VII led to several revolts, Nicephorus seized the capitol and was crowned emperor. His wife died shortly after. To gain the aura of royalty and the support of the powerful Ducas family, he married Michael's wife, Empress Maria of Alania (despite that her husband was still alive). Instead of strengthening his position, the marriage would lead to his downfall. In order to ensure the succession of her son Constantine, Empress Maria conspired with Alexius Comnenus to dispose of Nicephorus. Just as Nicephorus had banished Michael to a monastery, Alexius Comnenus banished Nicephorus to a monastery. He died soon after.MA112959. Bronze follis, DOC III-2 9, Morrisson BnF 56/Cp/AE/02, Wroth BMC 12, Ratto 2053, Sommer 56.5, SBCV 1888, weight 4.030 g, maximum diameter 21.7 mm, die axis 180o, Constantinople (Istanbul, Turkey) mint, 7 Jan 1078 - 1 Apr 1081; obverse 3/4 length figure of Christ standing facing, wearing nimbus cruciger, pallium, and colobium, raising right hand in benediction, Gospels in left hand, IC - XC (Greek abbreviation: IΗΣOúΣ XPIΣTOΣ - Jesus Christ) above stars left and right; reverse cross with pellet at each end, eight ray star in circle at center, C - Φ - N - Δ (Greek abbreviation: ΣTAYPΕ ΦYΛATTΕ NIKΗΦOΠON ΔΕΣΠOTΗ - May the cross protect Despot Nicephorus) in quarters of cross; rare; $5.00 (€4.70)
Byzantine Empire, Manuel I Comnenus, 8 April 1143 - 24 September 1180 A.D.
Called ho Megas ("the Great"), Manuel inspired intense loyalty in those who served him. He appears as the hero of a history written by his secretary, John Kinnamos, in which every virtue is attributed to him. Modern historians, however, have been less enthusiastic. Some argue that, since Byzantine imperial power declined catastrophically after Manuel's death, it is necessary to look for the causes of this decline in his reign.MA113982. Billon aspron trachy, DOC IV-1 12b; Morrison BnF 61/Cp/B/11; CLBC I 4.3.3.A; Grierson 1089; SBCV 1964; Sommer 61.9; Wroth BMC 56; Henley pl. 15, 5-10, VF, green patina, scratches, weight 4.251 g, maximum diameter 27.6 mm, die axis 180o, Constantinople (Istanbul, Turkey) mint, c. 1160 - 1164 A.D.; obverse the Virgin Mary seated facing on a throne, nimbate and wearing pallium and maphorium, she holds before her the nimbate head of the infant Christ, MP - ΘV (Greek abbreviation: Μητηρ Θεου; - Mother of God) across field; reverse MANYHΛ ΔECΠOTHC, Manuel standing facing wearing crown, divitision, and chlamys, and holding labarum and globus cruciger surmounted by patriarchal cross; $45.00 (€42.30)
Byzantine Anonymous Follis of Christ, Class F, Constantine X, 25 December 1059 - 21 May 1067 A.D.
The emperor's name and portrait are not part of the design on the Byzantine types referred to as anonymous folles. Instead of the earthly king, these coins depict Jesus Christ, King of Kings.MA114253. Bronze anonymous follis, Anonymous follis of Christ, DOC III-2, class F; SBCV 1856, F, green patina, weight 7.442 g, maximum diameter 29.0 mm, die axis 180o, Constantinople (Istanbul, Turkey) mint, 1059 - 1067 A.D.; obverse Christ seated facing on throne without back, wearing nimbus cruciger, pallium, and colobium, raising right in benediction; gospels in left hand, IC - XC (Greek abbreviation: Ihsoús Xristós - Jesus Christ) across field; reverse ISXS / bASILE / bASIL (Greek abbreviation: Jesus Christ King of Kings) in three lines, cross above and beneath; scarce; $25.00 (€23.50)
Byzantine Empire, Duchy of Chaldia, Gregorios Taronites, c. 1103 - 1106 A.D., In the Name of Alexius I Comnenus
Gregorios Taronites was made Dux of Trebizond by Alexius I after military successes against the Seljuks. He almost immediately rebelled. While the emperor sought a diplomatic solution, Taronites went so far as to publicly insult the imperial family. Captured, Alexius intended to have him blinded but he was granted clemency and instead paraded through the streets of Constantinople and then thrown into the Prison of Anemas. At first, Gregory remained obstinate and continued to hurl abuse on the emperor from his cell, but was persuaded to recant and beseech the emperor's pardon. In the end, he was not only released and pardoned, but accorded even higher honors.BZ113701. Bronze follis, Bendall Trebizond p. 133, 13B & pl. 7, 19; DOC IV-1 p. 433, 13b; Schlumberger pl. ii, 5; Hendy -; Wroth BMC -; Ratto -, F, off center on a broad flan, dark brown and green patina, overstruck, weight 7.493 g, maximum diameter 32.1 mm, die axis 0o, Trebizond (Trabzon, Turkey) mint, reign of Alexius I Comnenus, c. 1103 - 1106 A.D.; obverse facing bust of Christ, bearded and nimbate, wearing tunic and himation, Gospels in right hand, IC - XC (Greek abbreviation: Ihsoús Xristós - Jesus Christ) across field; reverse Latin cross on three steps, globule at end of each arm, A-Λ / B - P (Greek abbreviation: Αλεξιο Βασιλευς Ρωμαιων - Alexius king of the Romans) in angles; rare; $350.00 (€329.00)
Byzantine Empire, Duchy of Chaldia, Gregorios Taronites, c. 1103 - 1106 A.D., In the Name of Alexius I Comnenus
Gregorios Taronites was made Dux of Trebizond by Alexius I after military successes against the Seljuks. He almost immediately rebelled. While the emperor sought a diplomatic solution, Taronites went so far as to publicly insult the imperial family. Captured, Alexius intended to have him blinded but he was granted clemency and instead paraded through the streets of Constantinople and then thrown into the Prison of Anemas. At first, Gregory remained obstinate and continued to hurl abuse on the emperor from his cell, but was persuaded to recant and beseech the emperor's pardon. In the end, he was not only released and pardoned, but accorded even higher honors.BZ113702. Bronze follis, Bendall Trebizond p. 133, 13B & pl. 7, 19; DOC IV-1 p. 433, 13b; Schlumberger pl. ii, 5; Hendy -; Wroth BMC -; Ratto -, VF, uneven strike with weak areas, earthen encrusted, small clipped polygonal flan with 8 sides, weight 1.567 g, maximum diameter 19.4 mm, die axis 90o, Trebizond (Trabzon, Turkey) mint, reign of Alexius I Comnenus, c. 1103 - 1106 A.D.; obverse facing bust of Christ, bearded and nimbate, wearing tunic and himation, Gospels in right hand, IC - XC (Greek abbreviation: Ihsoús Xristós - Jesus Christ) across field; reverse Latin cross on three steps, globule at end of each arm, A-Λ / B - P (Greek abbreviation: Αλεξιο Βασιλευς Ρωμαιων - Alexius king of the Romans) in angles; rare; $200.00 (€188.00)
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