Theodore Mancaphas, usurper in Philadelphia, first reign, circa 1188-1189. Trachy (Bronze, 30 mm, 5.07 g, 6 h), Philadelphia, 1188-1189. IC - XC Christ, nimbate and draped, standing facing on dais; to his right, cross in circle. Rev. Theodore Mancaphas standing facing, wearing crown with pendilia, holding patriarchal cross in his right hand and placing his left on the hilt of his sword; to left and right, traces of legend. Bendall & Morrisson pl. XXV, 2. CNG Mail Bid Sale 76 (2007), 1698. SB -. Very rare. Some deposits, otherwise, about very fine.



Theodore, mockingly nicknamed 'Mankaphas' ('The Fool'), was a nobleman from Philadelphia who twice assumed the title of Byzantine emperor - first during the reign of Emperor Isaac II Angelos, and again shortly after the fall of Constantinople during the Fourth Crusade in 1204.