John III Ducas (Vatatzes), emperor of Nicaea, 1222-1254. Hyperpyron (Gold, 27.5 mm, 4.33 g, 6 h), Magnesia, 1232-1254 (?). IC - XC Christ enthroned facing, nimbate, wearing tunic and colobion, raising his right hand in benediction and holding Book of Gospels in his left; pellet above throne to right. Rev. Fragmentary inscription. John, on the left, standing facing, wearing divitision and loros, holding anexikakia in his left hand and labarum in his right, crowned by the Virgin, nimbate and standing facing on the right; at sides of the Virgin's head, MP - ΘV. DOC 5. SB 2073. Lightly toned. Some areas with striking defects and minor graffito on the reverse, otherwise, good very fine.

From the collection of W. Belser, Zürich, prior to 1965, and that of his son, acquired in the early 1970s.