Sale: CNG 63, Lot: 1706. Estimate $750.  Closing Date: Wednesday, 21 May 2003.  Sold For $975. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

ANDRONICUS I. 1183-1185. Billon Aspron Trachy (4.48 gm). Constantinople mint. The Virgin standing facing, holding the head of the infant Christ / Andronicus standing facing, holding labarum and globus cruciger, being crowned by Christ. DOC IV 3b; SB 1985. EF, remarkable condition, being a full strike on both sides with only minor doubling on the obverse. ($750)

Ex Jürgen K. Schmidt Collection (Triton V, 15-16 January 2002), lot 2314; Jean Elsen 53 (1998), lot 536; Lanz 42 (23 November 1987), lot 826. 

The life and career of Andronicus Comnenus reminds one of a less successful 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. After an assassination attempt against Isaac failed, Andronicus fled the capital, but was captured and returned. He was subsequently subjected to the same horrific torments he had meted out to his enemies.