Lot 3221

Description

John III Ducas called Vatatzes, Empire of Nicaea, (A.D. 1222/3-1254), gold hyperpyron nomisma, Magnesia mint, (4.228 grams), second coinage transitional to late style, issued 1232-1254, obv. Christ enthroned facing nimbate, raising hand, IC XC either side of head, three dots to right above throne, rev. John standing left being crowned by the Virgin Mary, to left and right traces of legend, (S.2073, DOC (9c), Vol.4, [not illustrated], cf.l.32, 3-5, for example see Glendining Auction 24.1.1945 [lot 74] and two others in the Istanbul Archaeological Museum). Holed, extremely fine and very rare, double struck on obverse, coin being struck from three dies.