Byzantine Empire Aspron Trachy - Manuel I, 1152 – 1167

Aspron Trachy from Byzantine Empire. Issued from 1152 to 1167. Struck in Electrum. Measures 31 mm and weighs 4 g.

Obverse

Christ facing, seated on throne without back, bearded, nimbate with a pellet in each limb of nimbus cross, wearing tunic and kolobion, holding Gospels with left hand, right hand raised in benediction. flanked by 'IC' to the left and 'XC' to the right. Christ is grasping the Gospel and raising right hand. (Jesus Christ)

Reverse

On left, the emperor standing facing, bearded, wearing stemma, divitision, collar-piece and jeweled loros, holding akakia with right hand; on right, Virgin standing facing, nimbate, wearing tunic and maphorion, M above her head, ΘV next to her left shoulder; both jointly holding between them a patriarchal cross on long shaft set on globe. (The despot ManuelMother of God)