Byzantine Empire: Manuel I Komnenos (AD 1143–1180) Cup-Shaped Bronze Aspron Trachy
Historical Overview
Issued during the height of the Komnenian Restoration, this cup-shaped bronze trachy (or scyphate) reflects the unique scyphate coinage of the high Middle Ages. The concave obverse depicts Christ Pantokrator seated upon a high-backed throne. The convex reverse shows Emperor Manuel I standing in full imperial ceremonial vestments (loros), holding a labarum and globus cruciger, with vertical Greek legends naming him as ΜΑΝΟΥΗΛ ΔΕΣΠΟΤΗΣ (Manuel Despot/Ruler).
Item Specifications
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Issuing Authority: Manuel I Komnenos
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Date of Issue: Circa AD 1143–1180
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Denomination: Aspron Trachy (Bronze / Billon Cup-Shaped Coin)
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Metal: Bronze / Low-grade Billon
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Shape: Scyphate (Concave / Convex Cup Shape)
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Obverse (Concave): Christ Pantokrator seated facing on a backless or high-backed throne, wearing a nimbus halo, holding the Book of Gospels.
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Reverse (Convex): Emperor Manuel I standing facing, wearing stemma (crown) and jeweled loros, holding a long labarum-headed scepter in his right hand and a globus cruciger in his left.
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Reverse Legend: Vertical inscription
MA / NV / HΛon left,ΔΕ / CΠΟ / THon right (Manuel Despot). -
Patina / Surface: Deep chocolate bronze and dark charcoal patina with sharp, clear strike detail on the standing emperor figure and throne.
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Packaging: Includes a custom glass-top leatherette presentation box, ideal for display, safe handling, or gifting.
"A fascinating medieval piece of 12th-century Byzantine coinage. Struck in the distinctive cup-shaped ('scyphate') form unique to the Middle Ages, this bronze trachy was issued under Emperor Manuel I Komnenos during the Crusades era. The coin features an enthroned Christ on its concave obverse and a full-length portrait of Manuel I holding imperial regalia on the reverse. Complete with crisp figure details and its glass-top leatherette display box, it makes a wonderful addition to any Byzantine or medieval display."
