Manuel I AE Half Tetarteron, Thessalonica Mint, Sear 1977?

Here's a coin out of a large lot that arrived yesterday. It is a half tetarteron of Manuel I, Thessalonica Mint, 1143-1180 AD.

I believe it is Sear 1977, but the reverse is different. The coins that I have encountered as Sear 1977 have a half facing portrait of Manuel I on the reverse, while this coin has basically a full length figure, truncated at the bottom by the flan.

I cannot find an example with the full standing figure through the Internet.

Does anyone have a Sear number for this coin, or is Sear 1977 applicable?

2.0 grams with some light scratches on both sides.



While I'm at it, here's one more coin from the same lot. This one is an odd-ball, with a reverse with a geometrical design that I have not seen before, but that might be due to my lack of experience with these Byzantine post-follis coins.

I think this coin is imitative. It weighs 2.3 grams and is quite crude.

I don't know if I have correct orientation of the reverse.



Thanks

 

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The reverse may be a biblically correct angel or seraphim like below

 

Empire Of Nicaea. John III, Ducas-Vatatzes. 1222-1254 AD. AE Tetarteron.
SBCV 2116



John III Ducas Vatatzes, 1222-1254 AD, Tetarteron, Magnesia.
SBCV 2115

 

Thank you!

The reverse on the second coin was abstract to the degree that I would not have considered that possibility.

 

Here are the two coins, properly labeled and the sides of the second ordered and oriented correctly.

Empire of Nicaea, 1222-1254
John III Ducas (Vatatzes)
Æ Tetarteron
Magnesia Mint
Bust of St. George facing, holding spear and shield / John standing facing, holding labarum and akakia.
Some very light scratches both sides.
DOC 58; SB 2116
About VF
Ex Roma E-Sale 80, Large Lot 1864
2.0 grams



Empire of Nicaea, 1222-1254
John III Ducas (Vatatzes)
Æ Tetarteron
Magnesia Mint
Obverse: head of a cherub with four wings, pellets flanking on left and right.
Reverse: ..O∆(?).., John seated facing on throne with back, wearing stemma with pendilia, chlamys, and divitision, labarum in left hand, globus cruciger in left hand.
DOC IV-2 57, Wroth BMC 32, Hendy pl. 34, 3, SBCV 2115.
Ex Roma E-Sale 80, Large Lot 1864
VF, Rare
2.3 grams

 

There is something quite attractive about tetartera. Here is mine, but I want more!

 

The seraph types are my all time favorite Byzantine coin design!
Here is a modern attempt to draw one.... )

I own one seraph type: two heads (alternatively six eyes), four wings and two arms holding spears

 

Thank you all for the excellent coins!

Here's one more, from the same lot. This coin is a nice grade.

Byzantine Empire, 1143-1180
Manuel I Comnenus
Æ half tetarteron,
Obverse: Half bust facing, wearing crown and loros, holding labarum and globus cruciger.
Reverse: Monogram.
Sear BCV 1979
Nice VF
Ex Roma E-Sale 80, Large Lot 1864
1.7 grams

 

It is 1979.
Look for "1977" in posts by BenSi; he explained once the difference between 1977 and 1979.