Byzantine Empire, Manuel I Komnenos, AD 1143-1180

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Byzantine Empire, Manuel I Komnenos, AD 1143-1180

Billon Aspron Trachy (scyphate), Constantinople mint, c. 1167-1183

Obv: IC-XC, Christ enthroned facing on throne without back, nimbate, holding Book of Gospels in left hand.

Rev: MANOVHΛ ΔECΠOTH, Manuel standing left, wearing stemma, divitision and loros, holding labarum-headed sceptre and globus cruciger, crowned by the Virgin Mary standing right; M in upper field.

Ref: Sear 1966; DOC IV 13

Weight: 2.8 g, Diameter: 25 mm, Axis: —

Condition: Dark brown patina, typical cupped flan, minor edge break at 11h as made, otherwise Good Fine to Near VF, clear types.

This is the classic "Virgin crowning" type of Manuel I, described as Christ seated facing on a throne, holding the Book of Gospels, reverse with emperor at left and Virgin at right crowning hi