Aspron Trachy - Alexios III Angelos Constantinopolis, IC-XC ΚΕ ΡΟΗΘΕΙ obverse, ΑΛΕΖΙΩ ΔΕϹΠ Ο ΚΩΝΤΑΝΤΙ reverse

Historical Context: This Aspron Trachy was issued during the tumultuous reign of Alexios III Angelos (1195-1203), a period of severe political and economic decline for the Byzantine Empire. Following the fall of the Komnenian dynasty, the Angeloi struggled to maintain imperial authority amidst internal corruption, fiscal mismanagement, and increasing external pressures. This billon coinage, a debased alloy, reflects the empire's financial straits, a stark contrast to the earlier gold hyperpyra. Alexios III's ineffective rule further destabilized Byzantium, directly preceding the catastrophic Fourth Crusade and the Sack of Constantinople in 1204, marking a pivotal moment in the empire's history.

Artistry: The engraver of this coin, like most Byzantine issues, remains anonymous. The stylistic school is characteristic of late Byzantine art, exhibiting the conventional religious and imperial iconography of the era, albeit often with less refinement than earlier periods. The obverse depicts Christ, likely enthroned or standing, with the monogram IC-XC (Jesus Christ) and the invocation ΚΕ ΡΟΗΘΕΙ (Lord, help), signifying a plea for divine intervention during a time of crisis. The reverse features Alexios III standing, holding a scepter and globus cruciger, with the legend ΑΛΕΖΙΩ ΔΕϹΠ Ο ΚΩΝΤΑΝΤΙ (Alexios Despot, the Konstantinos), linking him to the city's founder and emphasizing his imperial legitimacy.

Technical/Grading: Struck in billon, this scyphate (cup-shaped) trachy weighs 2.4 grams and measures 23 millimeters, consistent with BCV#2012 and BMC Byz#16-18. Due to the inherent challenges of striking cup-shaped flans and the nature of the billon alloy, these coins frequently exhibit technical imperfections. High-points prone to wear or weak strike include Christ's facial features and halo on the obverse, and Alexios III's face, crown, and the details of his regalia on the reverse. Off-centering, irregular flans, and partial strikes are common, often resulting in incomplete legends or indistinct imagery. A well-centered example with clear details on both sides is highly desirable.