Sale: CNG 66, Lot: 1794. Estimate $200.  Closing Date: Wednesday, 19 May 2004.  Sold For $360. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

EMPIRE of THESSALONICA. MANUEL, Comnenus-Ducas. 1230-1237 AD. Æ Trachy (1.84 gm). Thessalonica mint. Type C. Nimbate facing bust of the Virgin, orans; two stars flanking / Manuel and St. Demetrius standing facing, the saint handing Manuel a patriarchal globus cruciger. DOC IV 5; SB 2179. EF for type, small natural flan hole. Rare. ($200)

Both Hendy and Sear left the identity of the saint in question. This well-struck specimen has enough of the reverse legend visible -[DHM]HTPIOC- to remove all doubt.