Æ Trachy - Manuel Komnenos Doukas

Đơn vị phát hành Thessalonica, Empire of
Năm 1230-1237
Loại Standard circulation coin
Mệnh giá
Tiền tệ First Hyperpyron Nomisma (1224-1246)
Chất liệu Copper
Trọng lượng 1.7 g
Đường kính 24 mm
Độ dày
Hình dạng Concave
Kỹ thuật Hammered (scyphate)
Hướng Variable alignment ↺
Nghệ nhân khắc
Lưu hành đến
Tài liệu tham khảo BCV#2179
Mô tả mặt trước The Theotokos (Holy Mary and Child), nimbate, in orans, wearing tunic and maphorion (veil); Star in either field.
Chữ viết mặt trước
Chữ khắc mặt trước
Mô tả mặt sau Full-length figures of emperor and St. Demetrius; Emperor, bearded, wearing divitision, loros, maniakion, and stemma with pendilia, right hand holding cross-tipped-scepter and left accepting globus cruciger; St. Demetrius nimbate, wearing divitision, chlamys, and maniakion, right hand outstretched to offer the emperor globus cruciger and left holding spear over shoulder.
Chữ viết mặt sau
Chữ khắc mặt sau
Cạnh
Xưởng đúc
Số lượng đúc ? - -
ND (1230-1237) - -
ID Numisquare 1214797970
Thông tin bổ sung

Historical Context: This Æ Trachy was issued by Manuel Komnenos Doukas, Emperor of Thessalonica (1230-1237). Following the Fourth Crusade, the Byzantine Empire fragmented, with Thessalonica a rival imperial claimant to Nicaea. Manuel succeeded his brother Theodore, whose capture weakened Thessalonica's position. This coinage reflects Manuel's assertion of imperial legitimacy and sovereignty amidst diminishing political influence, symbolizing Byzantine succession struggles and regional power shifts.

Artistry: Characteristic of late Byzantine numismatic tradition, the artistry of this copper trachy is an anonymous product of the Thessalonican mint. The scyphate (cup-shaped) fabric is typical. While specific details require visual inspection, such coins commonly feature Christ enthroned or standing on the obverse. The reverse depicts Manuel Komnenos Doukas standing, often in imperial regalia. The style is generally stylized and less refined than earlier Byzantine issues, reflecting the era's economic constraints and minting practices.

Technical/Grading: Weighing 1.7 grams and measuring 24mm, this copper trachy exhibits inherent technical challenges. High-points for wear and strike typically include the emperor's head and imperial attributes on the reverse, and Christ's facial features and halo on the obverse. Due to the cupped flan and striking methods, these coins are frequently off-center, weakly struck, or exhibit flat striking. The copper alloy often presents with surface irregularities, pitting, or lamination, impacting overall preservation and detail clarity.

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