Byzantine coin of John III, 1222-1254. Obverse: the Virgin Mary, enthroned; she has a halo; she wears a pallium, which is a woolen cloak, and a maphorium, which is a type of medieval wimple worn by women; on her breast, there is a small head with a halo of Christ as an infant; to left, inscription says ‘MP’; to right, ‘ΘV’. Reverse: two figures, standing and facing front; to left, John III, wearing a loros, which is an embroidered and jewelled scarf; he holds a labarum, a military standard; to right, Saint Demetrius, wearing military clothing; he holds either a labarum or a spear; between them, they hold a patriarchal cross. The inscription on the obverse in translation says ‘Mother of God’. Coin is concave.

• History Of Use

  “Billon Trachy” (denomination); Sear# 2128.

• Narrative

  This coin is from the Empire of Nicaea, which was one of the empires founded by the Byzantines after the fall of Constantinople in 1204. When Constantinople was recaptured in 1261, the Empire of Nicaea was incorporated into the restored Byzantine Empire.

---

• Type of Item coin
• Culture Byzantine
• Material bronze metal
• Measurements height 0.5 cm, diameter 3.0 cm (overall)

---

• Previous Owner David Herman
• Received from David Herman

---

• Made in Thessalonica

---

• Creation Date between 1222 and 1254
• Ownership Date before February 2, 2015
• Acquisition Date on February 2, 2015

---

• Item Classes metalwork
• Condition good
• Accession Number 3095/1581