Watch List notes:

BULGARIA. Second Empire. Todor Svetoslav, 1300–1322. Trachy (Bronze, 19.5 mm, 1.25 g), Veliko Turnovo, late 1304-early 1308. Large cross with annulet at each point. Rev. Todor Svetoslav on horseback right, holding cross-tipped scepter in right hand. Dochev 1540. Raduchev & Zhekov 1.8.4-6. Youroukova & Penchev 55. Green and brown patina. Very fine.


Todor Svetoslav, son of Georgi Terter I, spent quite some time as a hostage, first in Byzantium and then with the Mongols of the Golden Hoard. In about 1298 he invaded Bulgaria with the help of Chaka, his Mongol brother in law, who became tsar. Todor soon turned on Chaka and became ruler himself.