Lot 2400
Byzantine Empire. John V and Anna of Savoy, 1341-1347. Gold Hyperpyron Nomisma (2.94g), Constantinople. The deceased Andronicus III, on l., kneeling before facing stg. figure of Christ, on r., who extends his r. hand over the emperor in benediction and holds book of Gospels in l. Rev. Anna of Savoy (on l.) and her son John V, on r., both crowned and stg. facing, the empress holding trefoil scepter, the emperor holding akakia and cruciform sceptre, sigla K in l. field. DOC 942-3 var.; PCPC 190 (sigla 4); LPC p. 116, 1; Sear-Bendall 2466. Fine/very fine and rare, poorly struck as usual and clipped.
This type is often attributed to the reign of Andronicus III (1328-1341). However, Grierson (in DOC 5, pp. 176-7) argues strongly in favor of an attribution to the regency of Anna at the beginning of the reign of John V. He cites the lack of evidence for John's advancement to imperial rank during his father's lifetime and the lack of recent precedent for the appearance of an empress on a coin of her husband's reign.
Estimated Value $200 - 250.
The Christov Family Collection.
|
| |
| Realized $173 |
