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John V Palaeologus. 1341-1391. AR Basilikon(?) (12mm, 0.50 g, 5h). Uncertain mint. Struck circa 1376/9-1391. IωЄN X T ω Θ, crowned facing figure of John, wearing loros, holding cruciform scepter in right hand and resting left hand on chest / M, nimbate and winged saint on horseback riding right, holding sword in right hand and reins in left. Cf. DOC V.1 p. 96 (for obv. inscription); cf. SB 2546 (for similar issue of Andronicus IV); cf. LBC 901 (for similar type as half stavraton); cf. LPC 168, 1 corr. (John V) (John VII; for similar type as half stavraton) cf. PCPC (326) (Provincial mint?; for similar issue of Andronicus IV). Toned with some blue iridescence. Near EF. Unique and unpublished.
A new type of basilika for John V was previously known as an issue of John’s rebel son Andronicus IV. That type was given a SB (2546) number and referenced as unpublished at the time. LPC also referenced the issue as a note on p. 152, 2. Classical Numismatic Group sold a later specimen of the extremely rare issue in 2012 in CNG 91, 1125. With this new find, the same type is encountered but with the legends of John V. John’s name is clearly evident as it appears on many of his issues, furthermore, the invocative legend “in Christ the Godhead faithful sovereign and emperor of the Romans” is found heavily abbreviated to fit the tiny flan.
Dating John V’s coinage is a somewhat difficult task due to the tumultuous nature of his reign both sole and with various associates. But this issue is likely a product of his later coinage. What makes this coin doubly fascinating (apart from being an unpublished issue) is that the coin, if indeed issued first chronologically, would almost certainly have served as the prototype for the issue of the rogue prince Andronicus IV. While Andronicus’ issue was published far earlier, this new issue furthers the collective understanding of the extremely rare series.
It should be noted that Bendall in PCPC hypothesized that the issue of Andronicus IV being discussed was perhaps the product of a provincial mint. Whether that is the case here for this new issue is uncertain as is where this provincial mint would have been located. But it is very likely that the two issues belong to the same mint.
Additionally, Bendall in PCPC, writing on the coinage of Andronicus IV on p. 60, notably mentions that “Andronicus ... issued very rare small silver coins unlike anything struck in previous or subsequent reigns.” This is a reference to the very series in question here. However, with this new find for John V, a new critical issue emerges requiring further study concerning the extremely rare series. Indeed, it is possible that the Andronicus issue was the first struck and that this coin of John V was struck by the same mint as a continuation of the series for his continued reign. This alternative hypothesis would suggest that both issues were struck at the same mint but that the John coin was issued after Andronicus was ultimately defeated by John V and his loyal son Manuel in 1379.
The final winners of all Triton XXVII lots will be determined at the live public sale that will be held on 9-10 January 2024.
Triton XXVII – Session Three – Lot 648–983 will be held Wednesday morning, 10 January 2024 beginning at 9:00 AM ET.
Winning bids are subject to a 22.5% buyer's fee for bids placed on this website and 25% for all others.
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