Manuel I Comnenus, 1143-1180. Half Tetarteron (Bronze, 15x15 mm, 2.00 g, 6 h), uncertain mint, 1143-1152. Monogram of Manuel I Comnenus. Rev. Half-length bust of Manuel I Comnenus facing, wearing loros, holding cruciform scepter in his right hand and globus cruciger in his left. SB 1979. Sharply struck and beautifully preserved, an exceptional piece. Minor deposits, otherwise, good extremely fine.


The Π in the center of Manuel's monogram stands for πορφυρογέννητος, which literally means 'born in the purple' and refers to the fact that Manuel I was born after the accession of his father John II Comnenus to the throne of the Empire, as opposed to his three elder brothers.