221, Lot: 554. Estimate $150. Sold for $125. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

BULGARIA, Second Empire. Todor Svetoslav. 1300–1322. AR Grosh (21mm, 1.61 g, 6h). Christ Pantokrator enthroned facing, IC XC across field / Todor Svetoslav standing facing, holding cross-tipped scepter. Raduchev & Zhekov Type 1.8.1; Youroukova & Penchev 53. EF, toned.

Todor Svetoslav was the son of Georgi Terter I. Until 1289, he was given as a hostage, first to the Byzantines, and then to the Mongols of the Golden Horde. In 1298 or 1299, Todor attempted to invade Bulgaria with the assistance of his Mongol brother-in-law Chaka. They were successful for a while, and Chaka ruled as tsar. However, Todor Svetoslav soon betrayed Chaka, had him murdered and himself became tsar in 1300. Todor was vindictive, punishing all who stood in his way, including those who had helped in his rise to power. In the face of his brutality, the nobility revolted and attempted to replace him with Byzantine assistance. Over the next several years, warfare continued until a peace was reached and war ended with a peace treaty in 1307. The result was relative peace between Todor Svetoslav and his neighbors until his death.