Michael VIII Palaeologus, with Andronicus II, 1261-1282. Aspron Trachy (Silver, 23 mm, 1.69 g, 6 h), cononation issue of Andronicus II. Magnesia or Thessalonica, 1272. O-A ('Ο Άγιος' in monogram form) / [...]NI/KO[...] Half-length, nimbate, bearded and draped bust of St. Nicholas facing, raising his right hand in benediction and holding book of Gospels in his left. Rev. [...]N[...]X[...] - ΔЄ/CΠ/ΟT/H[...] Bust of Christ facing, nimbate, flanked by IC - XC, placing his hands gently on the heads of Andronicus II, kneeling facing on the left, holding trilobate scepter in his right hand and of Michael VIII, kneeling facing on the right, holding trilobate scepter in his left hand; both holding patriarchal cross on forked base between them. DOC 44 = LHS Numismatik 97 (2006), 225 = SB 2317. Extremely rare, one of a only a few known examples. Double struck and with some scratches, otherwise, good very fine.


This historically important issue celebrates the coronation of Michael's VIII son, Andronicus II, in 1272.