Isaac Comnenus. Usurper in Cyprus, 1185-1191. Æ Tetarteron (22mm, 2.63 g, 6h). Nicosia mint(?). Struck 1187-1191(?).

Electronic Auction 473
Lot: 409. Estimated: $ 100

Byzantine, Bronze

Sold For $ 650. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

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Isaac Comnenus. Usurper in Cyprus, 1185-1191. Æ Tetarteron (22mm, 2.63 g, 6h). Nicosia mint(?). Struck 1187-1191(?). Christ Pantokrator standing facing on dais, holding gospel and raising hand in benediction; four small crosses in fields / Half-length bust of Isaac facing, holding cruciform scepter and akakia, being crowned by the Theotokos. DOC 8; CLBC 6.3.4; SB –. Green patina, areas of flat strike. VF.

From the collection of Simon Bendall.

Not a great deal is known about the usurper Isaac Comnenus, although the contemporary historical sources are in agreement that he was a tyrant. He served as governor of Cilicia under Manuel I, during which time he was captured and imprisoned by the Armenians. Eventually ransomed by the Knights Templar (by this time Andronicus I was emperor), Isaac soon afterward made his way to Cyprus, where he employed forged imperial documents to take control of the island as governor. Once established, he proclaimed himself emperor.

Closing Date and Time: 29 July 2020 at 12:16:00 ET.

All winning bids are subject to an 18% buyer’s fee.