★ An extremely rare variety ★

John III Ducas (Vatatzes), emperor of Nicaea, 1222-1254. Hyperpyron (Gold, 26 mm, 4.36 g, 6 h), Magnesia, 1227-1232. +ΚЄ ROHΘЄI Christ, nimbate, seated facing on throne without back, wearing pallium and colobium, raising his right hand in benediction and holding book of Gospels in his left; above, IC - XC; to left and right above throne, a star. Rev. + IⲰ ΔЄ Facing half-length bust of John III on the left, wearing crown and loros, holding akakia in his right hand and patriarchal cross with pellet on shaft together with Virgin Mary, facing on the right, nimbate, wearing pallium and maphorium; above the head of the emperor, manus Dei; in field to right, [ΘV - MP]. DOC 1c. SB 2072 var. (no stars). An extremely rare variety. Minor areas of weakness on the reverse, otherwise, extremely fine.

From the Nea Rhomē Collection, formed in the early 2000s.