★ A very interesting imitation ★

Manuel I Comnenus, 1143-1180. Aspron Trachy (Billon, 28 mm, 5.81 g, 12 h), contemporary imitation, Constantinople. IC - XC Christ, nimbate, enthroned facing, raising right hand in benediction and holding Gospels in left. Rev. ΔΕΠΟΤΗ ΜΑИΟΥИΛ ( the emperor's name retrograde ) Manuel standing facing, holding sword with the point downward in his right hand, and a cross or globus cruciger in his left. DOC -. Cf. Ratto 2147 ( "demi-bronze," the Virgin enthroned on the obverse ). SB -. An unusual imitation, combining the obverse of SB 1958, an electrum aspron trachy, with a reverse unpublished in both DOC and Sear but included in Ratto. Perfectly centered, but with even wear. Very fine.
Ex Inasta 97, 29 November 2021, 347 ( but wrongly described as Manuel I, Ratto 2142 ).