★ Enemy & ally of the Byzantines ★

BULGARIA, Second Empire: Ivan Aleksandar (1331–1371), AE Trachy. Cherven mint, 0.87g, 17mm.
Obv: Ivan Aleksandar and uncertain son standing facing, holding banner between them.
Rev: Large АΛЄ and ЦAP monograms across field; cross above
Raduchev & Zhekov Type 1.13.60-61; Youroukova & Penchev 104.
Rare.

Ivan became emperor via a coup, and returned Bulgaria to a vigorous prosecution of the war against the Byzantines. Once resolved (much in Bulgaria's favour), peace was restored with a marriage pact between Andronicus III's daughter Maria and Ivan’s son Michael (later Michael Asen IV) and two dwindling powers teamed up to fight the Ottomans. The alliance ran hot and cold though, to the detriment of both; Ivan eventually died in battle against the Turks.