Lot 229
229
Andronicus II Palaeologus (1282-1328, died 1332), Christ, bearded, standing facing in front of low thokos, wearing nimbus cruciger, chiton and himation, right hand extended in benediction, Gospels in left, in upper field to left and right ***, border of dots, rev. Andronicus standing facing, with forked beard, wearing crown with pendants, divitision, and loros which falls over his left arm, Manus Dei in upper right field, vertical inscriptions to left and right **** , 35.06g. (ZV.123), extremely fine
Andronicus II Palaeologus (1282-1328, died 1332), Christ, bearded, standing facing in front of low thokos, wearing nimbus cruciger, chiton and himation, right hand extended in benediction, Gospels in left, in upper field to left and right ***, border of dots, rev. Andronicus standing facing, with forked beard, wearing crown with pendants, divitision, and loros which falls over his left arm, Manus Dei in upper right field, vertical inscriptions to left and right **** , 35.06g. (ZV.123), extremely fine

Details
Andronicus II Palaeologus (1282-1328, died 1332), Christ, bearded, standing facing in front of low thokos, wearing nimbus cruciger, chiton and himation, right hand extended in benediction, Gospels in left, in upper field to left and right ***, border of dots, rev. Andronicus standing facing, with forked beard, wearing crown with pendants, divitision, and loros which falls over his left arm, Manus Dei in upper right field, vertical inscriptions to left and right **** , 35.06g. (ZV.123), extremely fine

Lot Essay

The son of Michael VIII Palaeologus, Andronicus had a long but unfortunate reign. The main feature of his reign was the loss of Asia Minor to the Turks, who, under their very active emir Osman, established themselves in Bithynia. At home his reign ended in civil war against his grandson, the future emperor Andronicus III, aided by his colleague John Cantacuzenus, who eventually forced Andronicus to retire to a monastery.

See also cover illustration.