Theodore Comnenus-Ducas, as emperor of Thessalonica, 1225/7-1230. Aspron Trachy (Silver, 29 mm, 2.55 g, 5 h), circa 1225/6. MHP - ΘY The Virgin Mary seated facing on a jewelled throne with a back, holding before her the nimbate bust of the infant Jesus; above the arms of the throne, crescents with points upwards ( signal ). Rev. ΘΕΟΔ ΔOYKAC On the left, standing figure of Theodore facing, wearing divination, jeweled loros and sagion and holding sheathed sword and akakia; at his right, standing figure of the nimbate Christ facing, crowning the emperor with his right hand and holding book of Gospels with his left. DOC 3 var. ( unrecorded with the crescent sigla ) = SB 2160. Extremely rare, if not unique with these sigla. Some striking weakness, otherwise, good very fine.

From a European collection, acquired fairly long ago but its significance was hitherto unnoticed.