Aspron Trachy - Michael VIII Palaiologos (Constantinopolis) ND (1261-1268) front Aspron Trachy - Michael VIII Palaiologos (Constantinopolis) ND (1261-1268) back
Aspron Trachy - Michael VIII Palaiologos (Constantinopolis) ND (1261-1268) photo

Aspron Trachy - Michael VIII Palaiologos Constantinopolis ND

 
Billon 1.87 g 25 mm
Description
Issuer
Byzantine Empire (Byzantine states)
Emperor
Michael VIII Palaiologos (1261-1282)
Type
Standard circulation coin
Years
1261-1268
Value
Aspron Trachy (1⁄120)
Currency
First Hyperpyron Nomisma (1092-cca. 1300)
Composition
Billon
Weight
1.87 g
Diameter
25 mm
Shape
Round (irregular)
Technique
Hammered (scyphate)
Demonetized
Yes
Updated
2024-10-04
References
Numista
N#208324
Rarity index
87%

Reverse

St. Demetrius standing facing, holding spear and resting left hand on shield, star at lower left

Lettering: O AGI-DEMETR,

Interesting fact

One interesting fact about the Aspron Trachy coin is that it was issued during the reign of Michael VIII Palaiologos, who was the first emperor of the Palaiologos dynasty and ruled the Byzantine Empire from 1258 to 1282. During his reign, Michael VIII implemented several economic reforms, including the introduction of a new currency system that included the Aspron Trachy coin. The coin was made of billon, a type of alloy that consists of a mixture of silver and copper, and weighed 1.87 grams. Despite its small size, the Aspron Trachy coin played an important role in the economy of the Byzantine Empire during this time period.