108, Lot: 333. Estimate $75. Sold for $267. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

ISLAMIC DYNASTIES. Turkic Tribes. Circa 1092-1181 AD. Æ Tetarteron (21mm, 3.21 gm, 10h). Imitating a post-reform issue of Alexius I. Crowned facing bust, holding cross-sceptre and globus cruciger / Decorated voided cross with x at center and F C M D in quarters. Cf. DOC IV 40a.20; cf. SB 1931. Good VF, brown patina with patches of green.

A close approximation of the Byzantine prototype, most likely struck by one of the Turkish tribes that occupied Asia Minor and were pressing in upon the Byzantine heartland. The Seljuq Turks were aggressive in expanding their territory, but Alexius was effective in beating them back from the frontiers, only to see them supplanted by the Ottoman Turks, a much greater threat.