Bulgaria, Imitative of Alexis III, Billon Aspron Trachy, c. 1204 - 1220 A.D.
Greek magnates in Thrace probably issued the earliest "Bulgarian" imitative types in the years immediately following the fall of Constantinople to finance their military operations against the crusaders in northern Greece. When the Bulgarians gained control of Thrace they continued production until sometime between 1215 and 1220, with issues becoming increasingly crude and smaller.
Bronze aspron trachy nomisma, Hendy, p. 218, Type C, pl. 25, 2(B) (imitative of SBCV 2012 of Alexis III, 1195 - 1203 A.D. ), aF, 3.004g, 23.6mm, 180o, obverse + KERO H"Q"EI (or similar), beardless nimbate bust of Christ, wearing tunic and colobion, scroll in left, IC - XC across fields; reverse "LLESI"W" DE"C"P Q T"W" KOMNHN"W (or similar), emperor, on left, and St. Constantine, nimbate on right, standing facing, each holds a labarum headed scepter and they hold a globus cruciger between them.
A blisteringly heavy psychometric read that can be felt even from the photograph across the internet.
Having now had a chance to work with this coin, I am loathe to sell it, but fair's fair -- I agreed to put it up, and it's up, but it doesn't come cheap. This is one of 10 favorite reading coins on both this site and VAULTS of TIME where you'll find many other ancient psychometric goodies.
$450.00
36604q00