174, Lot: 305. Estimate $75. Sold for $125. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

John II Comnenus. 1118-1143. BI Tetarteron (19mm, 4.06 g). Constantinople mint. Nimbate standing figure of Christ / John standing, holding cruciform sceptre and globus cruciger; legend starts with cross. DOC IV 12a; SB 1945. VF, toned.

From the Chris Connell Collection.

Although the tetartera of John II are conventionally termed “bronze”, examples such as this piece do show evidence of silver content, which tests confirm to be under 5%.