The New York Sale
Auction 30 9 January 2013
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ANCIENT COINS. BYZANTINE. Andronicus I Comnenus (A.D. 1183-1185), Gold Hyperpyron, 4.14g, 6h. The Virgin, nimbate, enthroned facing, holding a medallion with the nimbate bust of the infant Christ. Rev. Andronicus standing facing, wearing a loros, holding a labarum and a globus cruciger, being crowned by Christ standing on right, holding book of Gospels (cf DOC 1. 4; S 1983). Graffito "X" in lower left reverse margin, good very fine.
The brief reign of Andronicus I has been summarized as "violent and lascivious" by some historians. Blessed both in mind and body, Andronicus was eloquent, a great general and able politician, but also licentious and harsh. Twice married, his numerous mistresses included Eudoxia, niece of emperor Manuel and Theodora Komnena, widow of Baldwin III, Latin king of Jerusalem. In his efforts to reform the empire and stop corruption he was ruthless, gaining enemies as he went. Growing increasingly paranoid, Andronicus ordered the execution of all prisoners, exiles and their families in 1185. Riots ensued, while the general chaos inspired William II, the Norman king of Sicily, to invade and pillage Thessalonica. Andronicus was deposed; he fled, but was captured and given over to the mob who tortured him for three days before he was brought to the Hippodrome and cruelly executed.
Estimate: $600
The brief reign of Andronicus I has been summarized as "violent and lascivious" by some historians. Blessed both in mind and body, Andronicus was eloquent, a great general and able politician, but also licentious and harsh. Twice married, his numerous mistresses included Eudoxia, niece of emperor Manuel and Theodora Komnena, widow of Baldwin III, Latin king of Jerusalem. In his efforts to reform the empire and stop corruption he was ruthless, gaining enemies as he went. Growing increasingly paranoid, Andronicus ordered the execution of all prisoners, exiles and their families in 1185. Riots ensued, while the general chaos inspired William II, the Norman king of Sicily, to invade and pillage Thessalonica. Andronicus was deposed; he fled, but was captured and given over to the mob who tortured him for three days before he was brought to the Hippodrome and cruelly executed.
Estimate: $600