CNG 96, Lot: 1026. Estimate $300. Sold for $400. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

Andronicus II Palaeologus, with Michael IX. 1282-1328. AR Half Basilikon (18mm, 0.99 g, 6h). Constantinople mint. Struck 1304-1320. Andronicus standing facing, holding cruciform scepter and akakia / Michael standing facing, holding cruciform scepter and akakia. DOC –; PCPC –; LPC –; SB 2406. VF, light porosity, areas of flat strike. Very rare.

Sear lists this type, unpublished at the time of his standard reference, as a basilikon and does not provide an illustration. It was listed as a “light basilikon” on the two occasions it appears to have come up for auction in recent years (Roma [21 May 2013], lot 1755 and Stack’s [Moneta Imperii Romani Byzantini Sale, 12 January 2009], lot 3333). However, the weight and size of the dies conform closely to a half basilikon.