Alexius and John Comnenus Asen, circa 1356. Trachy (Bronze, 18 mm, 1.74 g, 12 h), uncertain mint on the Thracian coast. Theotokos, nimbate, standing facing, wearing pallim and maphorium, rising both hands in prayer; to her left and right, towers (?) surmounted by stars. Rev. Alexius Asen and John Komnenos Asen standing facing, each holding scepter in his right hand; between them, three starsl; above, heavenly cloud. S. Bendall: The Diokitirion Square Trakion Reconsidered, in: NK 21 (2002), pp. 107–110. S. Bendall: An Enigmatic Fourteenth Century Coin, in: NumCirc CIV.2 (March 1996), p. 39, 4-6. CNG E-Auction 473 (2020), 467. DOC -. SB -. Rare. Minor flan faults and with light corrosion, otherwise, good fine.


Alexius and John Comnenus Asen were brothers and members of the Bulgarian royal Sratsimir dynasty. They controlled the coastal area of Thrace as despotes during the chaotic time after the death of the Serbian Tsar, Stefan Uros IV Dusan, in December 1355.