Classical Numismatic Group, LLC
Electronic Auction 535 29 Mar 2023
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John II Comnenus. 1118-1143. AV Hyperpyron (27mm, 4.25 g, 6h). Thessalonica mint. Struck circa 1137. Christ Pantokrator enthroned facing / John standing facing, wearing crown and loros, holding labarum and globus cruciger, being crowned by the Theotokos standing facing to right. Cf. DOC 5-6; Hendy pl. 9, 12 var. (throne configuration); BN 4 var. (same); SB 1950 corr. (throne with back); Heritage 3035, lot 29706 (same dies). Toned, some doubling on obverse, some light scratches and deposits. Near EF. Very rare early transitional issue.
From the Gasvoda Collection. Ex Gorny & Mosch 273 (19 November 2020), lot 665.
This interesting transitional piece helps links John's second coinage of Thessalonica with the transitional coinage. Whereas the second coinage of DOC 5 features John holding a labarum and akakia, the transitional coinage swaps the emperor's akakia for a globus cruciger. However, the transitional coinage and subsequent third coinage also has a back to Christ's throne on the obverse, a feature not represented on the second coinage. Furthermore, the third coinage drops the labarum and instead represents John placing his right hand on his breast. On this interesting specimen, one finds the labarum and globus cruciger on the reverse but not the throne back on the obverse. These features place this coin between DOC 5 and 6 but as an earlier transitional piece than the coin represented in DOC 6.
From the Gasvoda Collection. Ex Gorny & Mosch 273 (19 November 2020), lot 665.
This interesting transitional piece helps links John's second coinage of Thessalonica with the transitional coinage. Whereas the second coinage of DOC 5 features John holding a labarum and akakia, the transitional coinage swaps the emperor's akakia for a globus cruciger. However, the transitional coinage and subsequent third coinage also has a back to Christ's throne on the obverse, a feature not represented on the second coinage. Furthermore, the third coinage drops the labarum and instead represents John placing his right hand on his breast. On this interesting specimen, one finds the labarum and globus cruciger on the reverse but not the throne back on the obverse. These features place this coin between DOC 5 and 6 but as an earlier transitional piece than the coin represented in DOC 6.