Sale: CNG 79, Lot: 1425. Estimate $1000.  Closing Date: Wednesday, 17 September 2008.  Sold For $2500. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

BULGARIA, Second Empire. Mihail Asen IV, with Irina (Maria Palaiologina). 1331-1355. AR Grosh (1.65 g, 6h). Struck after 1336. Christ enthroned facing; x to inner right / Irina and Mihail Asen standing facing, holding banner decorated with x between them. Raduchev & Zhekov Type 1.11.4 corr. (Mihail III Asen); Youroukova & Penchev 61 corr. (same). Superb EF. Extremely rare.

The eldest son of Emperor Ivan Aleksander by his first wife, Mihail IV Asen was proclaimed co-emperor on his father’s accession. As heir to the throne he was married to Irina (Maria Palaiologina), the daughter of Andronikos III Palaiologos.

In 1354-1355 the Ottomans invaded Bulgaria and headed towards Plovdiv and Sofia. Gathering an army, Mihail IV Asen fought them near Sofia, but was defeated and killed.