Empire of Trebizond Æ Follis. Imitating a Follis of Michael VII, circa AD 1080-1110?. Crude nimbate and bearded bust of Christ facing, wearing pallium and holding book of Gospels, surrounded by garbled Greek letters / Crude crowned and bearded bust of emperor facing, holding labarum and wearing loros, surrounded by garbled Greek letters. For similar types and style cf. ‘The Mint of Trebizond’ in DOC 4.1, pp. 427-34, especially pl. 25, (3); for prototype cf. DOC 3.2, 14a-b and Sear 1878. 6.70g, 32mm, 6h.

Very Fine. Unpublished in the standard references.

Ex John Casey Collection.

Little is known of the early history of Trebizond except that in 1075 Theodore Gabras recaptured the city from the Turks after a three year occupation. At some uncertain date he was appointed duke by Alexius I in order to keep him happy and out of the way. Theodore held the city as a personal fiefdom until he was killed by the Turks in 1098. In about 1103 was succeeded by Gregory (I) Gabras who held the area with nominal allegiance to Constantinople until after 1106 when he was removed by imperial forces. Gregory was succeeded from before 1119 by Constantine (II) Gabras until after 1140. The copper coinage of this period consisted of crudely produced folles imitating regular Byzantine prototypes, previously known in 14 types.