| Savoca Numismatik GmbH & Co. KG > Online Auction 187 | Silver | Auction date: 10 December 2023 |
| Lot number: 408 Price realized: 90 EUR (Approx. 97 USD) Note: Prices do not include buyer's fees. | Show similar lots on CoinArchives Find similar lots in upcoming auctions on  |
| Lot description: Andronicus II Palaeologus, with Michael IX AD 1282-1328. Constantinople Basilikon AR 22 mm, 2,13 g KVPI BOHΘEI, Christ, nimbate, seated facing on throne, wearing tunic and pallium, raising His right hand in benediction and holding book of Gospels in His left / AVTOKPATO-PЄC PMIAIωN (sic), Andronicus II, on the left, standing facing, wearing crown with pendilia and loros and Michael IX, on the right, standing facing, wearing crown with pendilia and loros, holding between them labarum on shaft. Good Very Fine DOC 513; Sear 2402. Michael IX Palaiologos was a Byzantine emperor who ruled jointly with his father, Andronikos II Palaiologos, from 1294 until his death 1320. Known for his moral character and courage in battle, Michael faced military challenges, including defeats against the Ottoman Empire and the Catalan Company. Despite his military prestige, his reign was marked by setbacks, attributed to unclear reasons such as his leadership, the state of the Byzantine army, or sheer bad luck. Michael's premature death at age 43 was partly attributed to grief over the accidental murder of his son Manuel by retainers of his older son Andronikos III. Despite military setbacks, Michael IX was remembered by the Byzantines as "the most pious lord" and "a true emperor in name and deeds." His birth, betrothals, marriage to Rita (Maria), and their four children, including Andronikos III, are detailed. Michael's private life involved conflicts with his stepmother Irene, who sought power for her own children. In his military endeavors, Michael faced challenges against the Ottoman Turks and the Catalan Company, experiencing defeats like the Battle of Skafida (1304) and the Battle of Apros (1305). His attempts to gather armies were hampered by issues with mercenaries and internal strife. The narrative explores Michael's struggles as a commander, arguing that broader military issues in the Byzantine Empire contributed to his difficulties. In his later years, Michael governed Thessalonica and worked to reconcile local conflicts. His death in 1320 was influenced by grief over the loss of his children. Michael IX was also known for his piety and devotion to the Church, overseeing the restoration of the Hagios Demetrios in Thessaloniki and issuing church decrees. Starting price: 50 EUR |  |
