Theodore Gabras, Duke of Trebizond, circa late 1080s-1098. Follis (Bronze, 27 mm, 3.25 g), Trebizond, circa 1092-1098. Bust of Alexius I, wearing crown surmounted by cross and with pendilia, holding cruciform scepter in his right hand and globus cruciger in his left. Rev. IC - XC / NH - KA in angles of large cross pommée. DOC -. SB -. S. Bendall: The mint of Trebizond under Alexius I and the Gabrades, in: NC 137 (1977), pl. 6, issue 3. Extremely rare. Areas of weakness, some corrosion and with an edge crack, otherwise, very fine.




Theodore Gabras was a Byzantine general who recaptured the city of Trebizond from the Seljuks in the 1080s. Granted the title 'Duke of Trebizond' by Emperor Alexios I Komnenos, Gabras continued to fight the Turks successfully on several occasions. He was eventually captured and martyred by the Danishmendids in 1099. He was later canonized by the Orthodox Church, and his feast day is celebrated on 2 October.