Theodore I Comnenus Ducas (Empire of Thessalonica), 1224 AD – 1230 AD

Trachy, Thessalonica circa 1226-1227 AD, Æ 30 mm, 4.28 g. IC XC Full-length figure of Christ, cruciformly nimbate with pellet in each cross arm, bearded, seated upon backless throne, wearing tunic and kolobion, r. arm outstretched in benediction and l. hand holding Gospels; three pellets above nimbus to either side. Rev. ΘЄOΔωPOC D8K XM Full-length figures of emperor and St. Michael the Archangel; Emperor, bearded, wearing divitision, loros, maniakion, and stemma with pendilia, l. hand accepting the outstretched city of Thessalonica and r. hand holding labarum; St. Michael, nimbate, wearing divitision, loros, and maniakion, r. hand offering the city of Thessalonica to the emperor and l. holding spear; Manus Dei blesses emperor in upper field. Sear 2165. LBC 329-31. DOC 7. CLBC 12.2.4.
Lovely brown patina with green deposits. Among the finest specimens known
and about extremely fine

This is a splendid example of Thessalonica die craftsmanship with a heavily bearded Theodore and an especially expressive St. Michael.