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

AV Hyperpyron, 3.51g (25mm, 6h).Christ enthroned facing, raising hand in benediction and holding Gospels; [I]C-X[C] across upper fields, two pellets 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, legends in left and right fields.Pedigree: From a private UK collectionReferences: Cf. DOC 9c; Sear 2073Grade: Obverse o/c with head of Christ partially off planchet. Otherwise well struck with some wear. Graffito in lower left field and some small scratches in right field. Reverse well centered and struck. Almost no wear. Graffito in top left field. VF+/EF. (bz1063c)