Byzantine Empire 1 Hyperpyron (1222-1254 AD). John III Ducas-Vatatzes (1222-1254 AD). Magnesia. Averse: Christ enthroned; raising right hand in benediction; to left; IC; to right; XC; with line above each. Reverse: John standing on left; crowned by the Virgin; monogram MHP and Θ[V] above and to right of Virgin's head; columnar legends left and right (the latter flatly struck on this specimen) naming John and calling him despot and 'born to the purple'. Gold; 4.37g. Scratches. Sear 2073