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<p>[QUOTE=&quot;TheTrachyEnthusiast, post: 8347666, member: 138958&quot;]<img src="http://byzantinecoins.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/IMG_1023.jpg" class="bbCodeImage wysiwygImage" alt="" unselectable="on" /> </p><p>I recently won this!</p><p><b>Michael II Comnenus-Ducas, with John III Ducas (Vatatzes). Despot of Epiros, 1237-1271.</b> BI Aspron Trachy (27mm, 2.90 g, 5h). Thessalonica mint. Struck 1248. Facing bust of the Archangel Michael / John standing facing, holding labarum and akakia, being crowned by Archangel Michael standing left. S. Bendall, &quot;The Coinage of Michael II, Angelos of Epirus, 1231-1265,&quot; in NumCirc CIV.1 (February 1996), 5; DOC 2; CLBC 15.5.1; SB 2235. Dark brown patina, flan crack. </p><p><br /></p><p>Its a very rare coronation issue for Despot Michael II of Arta! One of the few coins from this era which we can precisely date, the trachy was minted in the year 1248. Michael II of Arta, then claimant to title of emperor, submitted to Nicaean Emperor John III. In exchange or an imperial bride, fancy crown, and official recognition, Michael II submitted and downgraded to the rank of Despot. He is depicted on the left in the garb of a despot. Notice his round crown, the kamelaukion, and his holding of a Palmfrond. </p><p><br /></p><p>To his right, emperor John III needs no such humility. The emperor appears in the bejeweled splendor of the imperial outfit. Rather than the lower palmfrond, the emperor holds a cross tipped scepter. It sure is good to be king![/QUOTE]</p><p><br /></p>

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