Byzantine Empire, Empire of Nicaea. John III Ducas-Vatazes, 1222-1254 AD Magnesia, c. 1222-1254 AD

AV Hyperpyron, 4.34g (26mm, 6h).Christ enthroned facing, raising hand in benediction and holding book of Gospels; [I]C-X[C] across upper fields, symbol above throne to right / John standing facing, holding labarum and akakia, being crowned by the Virgin Mary; MHP (ligate) between them in upper field, ΘV to upper right, illegible columnar legends to left and to right.Pedigree: From a private UK collectionReferences: DOC 12; Sear 2073Grade: Obverse well centered, with some weakness of strike at edges and some details not visible. Graffito to left of Christ / Reverse is very nice for type has very little wear, but some weakness of strike. Similar graffito in left field. Planchet flaw at 12 o’clock obverse. VF+/EF. (bz1062c)