Consign now ribbon CONSIGN NOW
  • Finest Quality Ancient Greek, Roman & Byzantine Coins
  • Renaissance & 17th Century Dutch Medals
  • Auctions & Private Treaty Sales

Obolos 41

With selections from the collections of John Aiello and Beat A. Klein

Webauction, 22 February 2026
overview

Beautifully Engraved

Starting Price: 50 CHF
Hammer Price:  600 CHF
Lot 854

Michael II Comnenus-Ducas, despot of Epiros, 1237-1271. (Silver, 29.5 mm, 6.84 g). Ο Δ-ΕC/ΠΟ-ΤΙC Cross (all engraved). Rev. Blank. Cf. Leu (W) 3, 2018, 341 (similarly engraved bronze weight naming Michael II). Extremely rare and beautifully engraved. Toned. Extremely fine.



Although it does not explicitly name Michael II, the prominent Greek legend meaning 'the despot' tends to suggest him as the ruler in question. He was the first to assume the title of despot, receiving it for his Epirote territories from Emperor Manuel Comnenus-Ducas of Thessalonica in 1237. The purpose of this piece remains somewhat mysterious although it would have been worth roughly two contemporary aspron trachys. Perhaps it is a weight produced in silver rather than the more usual bronze?

Online bidding closes: 22 Feb 2026, 21:07:00 CET Current Date & Time: 2 Apr 2026, 09:03:18 CEST Remaining Time: Closed Hammer Price:600 CHF by SoN53 (26 bids)
Reconnecting, please wait...