Theodore Gabras, Duke of Trebizond, circa late 1080s-1098. Follis (Bronze, 28 mm, 4.33 g), Trebizond, circa 1092-1098. Christ, nimbate, seated facing on square-backed throne, wearing tunic and pallium, raising his right hand in benediction and holding book of Gospels in his left.
Rev. Large jewelled cross set on crescent and with pellets in angles. DOC 5 (Trebizond). SB -. S. Bendall: The mint of Trebizond under Alexius I and the Gabrades, in: NC 137 (1977), pl. 6, issue 5. Very rare. Minor areas of weakness and with an edge split
, otherwise, very fine.
From a European collection, formed before 2005.
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
