Empıre of Nicaea. JOHN III DUCAS VATATZES, 1222-1254 AD. AE, Tetarteron. Magnesia.
Obv: Facing bust of St. George, holding spear and shield. A in circle in field to left; probably monogram of ⲰP in field to right,
Rev: [IⲰ ΔHCΠO] ΔOYK [A]C.
John III standing facing, holding akakia and labarum.
Sear 2116.
Condition: Good very fine.
Weight: 2.05 g.
Diameter: 18.50 mm.

John Doukas, often called Vatatzes, was the son–in–law of Theodore I Laskaris. He had to fend off Theodore’s brothers, who believed that they had the better claim for the throne.

John was an able administrator and fiscal manager. He encouraged his realm to be self-sufficient, discouraging or banning Western imports, and encouraged his subjects to carefully manage their lands and farms. He led by example, demonstrating his success by buying his wife a jeweled crown from the proceeds of selling eggs. John died in 1254 and was remembered fondly by his people; the inhabitants of Asia Minor revered him as a saint soon after his death.

John has the title despotes and is identified by the name of Doukas. Although John III's father was a Vatatzes, he chose the name Doukas on his seals. This would associate John with the imperial dynasty of the eleventh century as well as with the Komnenos clan.