★ An exceptional tetarteron of John II Comnenus, ex Sternberg VII, 24-25 November 1977, 1294 ★

John II Comnenus, 1118-1143. Tetarteron (Bronze, 12 mm, 3.33 g, 5 h), Thessalonica. Nimbate bust of Christ facing, wearing tunic and pallium, raising his right hand in benediction and holding book of Gospels in his left; in fields, IC - XC. Rev. Bust of John II facing, wearing loros and crown with pendilia, holding long cross in his right hand and globus cruciger in his left. SB 1953. An exceptional piece, very sharply struck and with a beautiful brown patina. Struck slightly off center, otherwise, extremely fine.

From the collection of Dr. Max Blaschegg (1930-2021, with collector’s ticket), ex Sternberg VII, 24-25 November 1977, 1294.