| 发行方 | Thessalonica, Empire of |
|---|---|
| 年份 | 1230-1237 |
| 类型 | Standard circulation coin |
| 面值 | |
| 货币 | First Hyperpyron Nomisma (1224-1246) |
| 材质 | Copper |
| 重量 | 1.7 g |
| 直径 | 24 mm |
| 厚度 | |
| 形状 | Concave |
| 制作工艺 | Hammered (scyphate) |
| 方向 | Variable alignment ↺ |
| 雕刻师 | |
| 流通至 | |
| 参考资料 | BCV#2179 |
| 正面描述 | The Theotokos (Holy Mary and Child), nimbate, in orans, wearing tunic and maphorion (veil); Star in either field. |
|---|---|
| 正面文字 | |
| 正面铭文 | |
| 背面描述 | 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. |
| 背面文字 | |
| 背面铭文 | |
| 边缘 | |
| 铸币厂 | |
| 铸造量 |
? - - ND (1230-1237) - - |
| Numisquare 编号 | 1214797970 |
| 附加信息 |
Historical Context: Manuel Komnenos Doukas ruled the Empire of Thessalonica from 1230 to 1237, a critical period following the Fourth Crusade. As a self-proclaimed Byzantine emperor, he challenged the Nicaean Empire's claim to imperial legitimacy. This Æ trachy reflects Thessalonica's attempt to assert its economic and political independence, minting copper coinage for local circulation amidst the fragmented Byzantine world. The issue signifies a time of relative stability and consolidation for Thessalonica under Manuel, before its eventual decline against Nicaean expansion.
Artistry: The numismatic artistry of this era in Thessalonica largely follows late Byzantine traditions, though often rendered with a provincial crudeness typical of copper issues from successor states. Individual engravers for Manuel Komnenos Doukas's coinage are not known, nor are signatures present on these issues. The style typically features stylized religious figures, such as Christ Pantocrator or the Virgin Mary, alongside the emperor, reflecting a continuation of the Komnenian artistic legacy, albeit in a debased form due to economic constraints and mass production.
Technical/Grading: For optimal grading of this Æ trachy, critical evaluation focuses on several aspects. The scyphate fabric often results in uneven striking; therefore, a well-centered strike revealing full legends and facial features of Christ, the Virgin, and the emperor is highly prized. Clarity of the cross on Christ's nimbus and details of vestments are important. The copper flan should exhibit minimal corrosion, pitting, or flan cracks. Legibility of the Greek legends, particularly the emperor's name, significantly enhances desirability.