John III Ducas (Vatatzes), Emperor of Nicaea, AU Hyperpyron, Magnesia Mint, 1222-1254 AD

$620.00

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SKU: B3.21 Category:

Description

John III Ducas (Vatatzes), Emperor of Nicaea,1222-1254 AD, AU Hyperpyron (gold, 4g, 25mm), Magnesia Mint
Obv: IC – XC; Christ, nimbate, seated facing on throne, wearing tunic and pallium, raising his right hand in benediction and holding book of Gospels in his left; in right field, pellet
Rev: [ΙⲰ] / ΔI/[C]Π/[Ο] / (MHP) – [ΘV / (TⲰ) / Π/Φ/Γ] John III standing facing on the left, wearing divitision and loros, holding anexikakia in his left hand and labarum in his right, crowned by the Virgin Mary, nimbate, standing facing on the right
Ref: DOC 6b. SB 2073 Rarity/Choice: Common, VF (some graffiti, otherwise, rich dark yellow patina)
Note: John III was a significant ruler of the Byzantine Empire, known for his military successes and efforts to restore Byzantine territories lost to the Latin Empire during the Fourth Crusade. His reign saw the resurgence of the Empire of Nicaea as a major power in the Eastern Mediterranean. Magnesia was an important city in western Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey) and served as a minting center for Byzantine coins during the medieval period. Coins minted in Magnesia were often of high quality and circulated widely throughout the Byzantine Empire.  The imagery on this Hyperpyron coin combines representations of Christ’s divine authority with symbols of John III’s imperial power. The depiction of Christ Pantokrator underscores the emperor’s claim to rule by divine right, while the presence of John III and the Virgin Mary on the reverse emphasizes his earthly authority and the protection of the Virgin. In summary, this Hyperpyron coin of John III Ducas (Vatatzes) is a remarkable numismatic specimen that offers a glimpse into the complex interplay of political and religious symbolism in the Byzantine Empire during the medieval period.