Sale: Triton VI, Lot: 1229. Estimate $500.  Closing Date: Monday, 13 January 2003.  Sold For $1100. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

ANDRONICUS I. 1183-1185 AD. AV Hyperpyron (4.39 gm). Constantinople mint. MHP QV, Mary, nimbate, enthroned, holding nimbate head of the infant Christ / ANÐPONIKOC ÐECPOTHC, IC XC across field, Andronicus, holding labarum and globus cruciger, being crowned by Christ, holding Gospels. DOC IV 1; BN 1; SB 1983. Near EF, light graffiti around borders. ($500)

The life and career of Andronicus Comnenus reminds one of a less sucessful Ghengis Khan. Born into the imperial family, he fled a hostile court and spent much of his life as a wandering military adventurer. Recalled by his cousin Manuel I, Andronicus was in a favorable position when Manuel died, leaving Mary of Antioch as regent for their son Alexius II. Both mother and son shortly perished, and Andronicus began a reign of terror as he rooted out all real and suspected supporters of the previous regime. The bloody public tortures and executions eventually disturbed the populace, and when a prophecy began circulating that Isaac Angelus would become the next emperor popular support for a regime change grew. An assassination attempt against Isaac failed, Andronicus fled the capital, was brought back, and subjected to the same horrific torments he had meted out to his enemies.