Theodore Gabras, Duke of Trebizond, circa late 1080s-1099. Follis (Bronze, 21 mm, 1.95 g, 12 h). Nimbate bust of Christ facing, holding book of Gospels in his left hand and raising his right in benediction; in fields, [IC] - XC. Rev. O/A/ΓI/[O/C] - Θ/Є/O/Δ St. Theodore, nimbate, standing facing, wearing tunic, breastplae and sagion; holding spear in his right hand and placing his left on shield set on the ground. S. Bendall: The mint of Trebizond under Alexius I and the Gabrades, in: NC 137 (1977), pl. 6, issue 13. SB -. Extremely rare. Good fine.



Theodore Gabras was a Byzantine general who recaptured the city of Trebizond from the Selkjuks in the 1080s. Granted the title 'Duke of Trebizond' by Alexius I, Gabras would successfully continue fighting the Turks several times, but he was eventually captured and martyred by the Danishmendids in 1099. He was later canonized by the Orthodox church, with his feast day being 2 October.