★ A very rare follis of Theodore Gabras, Duke of Trebizond ★

Theodore Gabras, Duke of Trebizond, circa late 1080s-1098. Follis (Bronze, 24 mm, 2.87 g, 3 h), Trebizond, circa 1092-1098. Nimbate and draped bust of the Theotokos facing, raising her right hand in benediction; to left and right, MP and OV. Rev. Φ above X and; to left, Φ above pelleted cross; to right, Π above pelleted cross. DOC 6 (Trebizond). SB -. S. Bendall: The mint of Trebizond under Alexius I and the Gabrades, in: NC 137 (1977), pl. 6, issue 6. Very rare. Some deposits and with a few marks, otherwise, fine.

From a European collection, acquired before 2021.

Theodore Gabras was a Byzantine general who recaptured the city of Trebizond from the Selkjuks in the 1080s. Granted the title 'Duke of Trebizond' by Alexius I, Gabras would successfully continue fighting the Turks several times, but he was eventually captured and martyred by the Danishmendids in 1099. He was later canonized by the Orthodox church, with his feast day being 2 October. According W. Schulze the letters on the reverse this coin 'Φ - X - Φ - Π' stand for φῶς Χριστοῦ φωτίζει πάντα ('The light of Christ gives light to all').