Sale: Triton V, Lot: 2318. Estimate $2500.  Closing Date: Wednesday, 16 January 2002.  Sold For $1500. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

JOHN V, Palaeologus. 1341-1391. AR Reduced Basilikon (1.22 gm). Formerly attributed to Andronicus III, 1328-1341. Constantinople mint. IC [XC] across field, John V standing facing, holding labarum and globus cruciger, nimbate bust of Christ above / ANÐPONIK ÐMIT, GOA, St. Demetrius at left, standing facing, holding cross, and Andronicus III at right, standing facing, hand to breast. DOC V 944; LPC pg. 120, 7 var. (legend arrangement; Andronicus III); Grierson 1322; SB 2474 (Andronicus III). Toned, good VF. Extremely rare. ($2500)

John V was a most unfortunate character, despite being emperor for fifty years. He ascended the throne at age nine, having little real power, while Anna of Savoy and John Cantacuzenus struggled for power. Anna was regent for six years, and then deposed by Cantacuzenus, who forcibly took the position of co-emperor John VI. John V ousted John VI in 1353, a century before the final collapse of the Byzantine Empire, but the decline was already complete. As the Byzantine state watched helplessly, the Turks overran the Balkans and no other powers would intervene. Finally, John V was subjugated by the Turks, becoming a vassal, and was dependent upon the Ottoman dynasty for all subsequent military support.