CNG 108, Lot: 820. Estimate $300. Sold for $1200. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

BULGARIA, First Empire. Petar I, with Irina (Maria Lakapena). 927-969. PB Seal (25mm, 13.28 g, 12h). Struck 927-945(?). Facing bust of Christ, raising hand in benediction and holding Gospels / Facing busts of Petar and Irina, holding patriarchal cross on globe between them. Jordanov Type III.3Аa. VF, beige patina.

From the Iconodule Collection.

In 927, a peace treaty with the Byzantine Empire officially recognized the transfer of the imperial title to Simeon’s son and successor, Petr I, his marriage to the emperor’s daughter, Maria Lakapena, who was now known as Irina (“peace”), as well as the independence of the Patriarch of Bulgaria. However, the peace was short-lived, as a power struggle between Petar and his brothers ensued. The weakness this internecine struggle created resulted in the loss of territory, renewed invasions of neighboring peoples, including the capture of Preslav in 968, and the rise of religious schism.