Experts in Coins & Medals

Michael II Comnenus-Ducas, despot of Epiros, 1237-1271. Aspron Trachy (Silver, 29 mm, 2.92 g, 6 h), struck in the name of Alexios III?, Arta. IC-XC Christ Pantocrator, bearded, nimbate and with his right hand raised in benediction, seated facing on throne; above throne to left, X over M; to right [lis] over AK. Rev. AΛΕ[..] KWN[CTANTINOC] To left, Alexios standing facing, crowned, wearing divitision, collar piece adorned with eight jewels, and a loros, and holding a cross-tipped scepter with his right hand; to right, St. Constantine standing facing, crowned, wearing divitision, collar piece adorned with nine jewels, and a loros, [and holding a cross-tipped scepter with his left hand]; both holding between them a labarum, on a long shaft ending in a globe at the bottom, surmounted by a triangular decoration . Cf. Bendall 1 and DOC 1 (but in electrum and with a differing reverse). SB 2230 (as this piece). For another aspron trachy of Michael II, but with a differing reverse, see Nomos 19, 2019, 453. Extremely rare. Some striking flatness, usual edge split, and deposits as found, otherwise, good very fine.

TROAS. Neandria. Late 6th-5th century BC. Hemiobol (Silver, 6 mm, 0.45 g). Crestless Corinthian helmet to left. Rev. Quadripartite incuse square. Rosen 109 (but an obol and as Skione in Macedonia). SNG Arıkantürk 664-665 (obols of the same type). SNG Kayhan 743 (but as an obol from an uncertain mint in Ionia or Caria). Very rare, toned. Porous surfaces, otherwise, good very fine.