Theodore Gabras, Duke of Trebizond, circa late 1080s-1098. Follis (Bronze, 29 mm, 4.13 g), Trebizond, circa 1092-1098. Nimbate bust of Christ facing, wearing tunic and pallium, holding book of Gospels with both hands; in fields, IC - XC.
Rev. Small Latin cross with pellets at the end of each arm, floriate at base; in outer margin, circle of pellets. DOC 1 (Trebizond). SB -. S. Bendall: The mint of Trebizond under Alexius I and the Gabrades, in: NC 137 (1977), pl. 6, issue 1. Extremely rare. Some areas of weakness
, otherwise, about 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
