Sale: Triton VIII, Lot: 1457. Estimate $500.  Closing Date: Monday, 10 January 2005.  Sold For $1900. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

ANDRONICUS I, Comnenus. 1183-1185. AV Hyperpyron (4.49 gm, 6h). Constantinople mint. MHP QV across field, the Virgin, nimbate, enthroned facing, holding the nimbate head of the infant Christ / A NDPONIKOC DECPOTHC, IC XC across field, standing facing figures of Andronicus, wearing crown and loros, holding labarum and globus cruciger, and Christ, crowning him, holding gospels. DOC IV 1.6; SB 1983. Choice EF. ($500)

From the Malcolm W. Heckman Collection. Ex Leu 83 (6-7 May 2002), lot 932; William J. Conte Collection (Baldwin's 2, 5 October 1994), lot 206; G. Lacam Collection (Numismatic Fine Arts XVIII, 1 April 1987), lot 990.

The life and career of Andronicus Comnenus remind 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.