ANDRONICUS I COMNENUS

Continuing with some coins I got in trade a month ago, below is a trachy I like and my second byzantine cup coin.


ANDRONICUS I COMNENUS (1183 - 1185 A.D.)
TRACHY
O: MP - ΘV. The Theotokos (Virgin Mary) standing facing on dais, holding bust of the infant Christ.
R: ANΔPONIKOC ΔECΠOTHC / IC - XC. Andronicus standing facing, holding labarum and globus cruciger, being crowned by Christ to right, holding Gospels.
Constantinople Mint
2.95
sb 1985

 

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Wow that coin is certainly better than most. Good Catch. Interesting history here.

 

I have limited interest in Byzantium coinage, however seeing the crispness of the strike is interesting. Nice capture!

 

Congrats, Mat! That is a nicely struck coin. The silver content seems to be a lot better than the ones I have. I have a few of these coins as I tried to get one with somewhat of a complete legend. These are one of the most popular and least expensive of the well-struck trachys:

 

I have an Andy Uno to share. Look familiar?

 

Nice coins, QG, when I was looking around at examples of these, I tried to find the one that looked most silver and had the best look for the obverse portrait. Shame my reverse has a missing face on Christ, but it's OK.

I wish it was heavier though. :/

 

BTW, as a bit of trivia, can anyone tell me what the name of this depiction of the Virgin Mary is?

 

nice, I just have one of Alexius right now..




but there is also one of Manuel I flying to me right now.

 

While we always like legend, coins like QG's first with three good faces are the name of this game. Mine really lacks legends but I could not turn down Mary Theotokos' nose.

 

Madonna?

 

@Ancientnoob: Nope

 

some nice lookin' trachys here guys...cool pick up mat. i don't have one of this guy, that i know of...i picked up two last month i haven't IDed yet, but they i think they are someone else.

 

Theotokos?

 

Theotókos is the Greek name for "Mother of God" and in this case the current depiction is actually something else. The Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic actually have different names for the various depiction of the Virgin Mary. This is actually a difficult one as there are few references that actually use this name. One more try before I divulge the answer...

 

Not sure then

 

This particular depiction of Mary is called "Virgin Nikopoios" or the Victory Maker. In this image, Mary holds a medallion of Christ against her breasts. A clearer picture can be seen on the following Miliaresion of Basil II (among other coins):

 

Nice, beautiful coin.

 

Wish it was mine! That one is from the DOC collection...

 

Ah, thought it was yours. Still nice though.

 

QG those are superb trachy coins. rare to find with such full strikes. nice one.