From the Gemini IV Auction, Closed January 8, 2008.
Lot # 549 - Auction is closed. Price Realized: US$3500 

RESTORED BYZANTINE EMPIRE. Michael VIII, Palaeologus. (1254-1258 
AD). Silver trachy (2.69 gm). Constantinople, ca. 1261 AD. The 
Virgin, nimbate, seated facing on high-backed throne, holding head 
of Christ, MHP—XC (error for ÈY) to left and right of her head, A, 
siglum O at lower right on throne / Winged Archangel Michael, on 
left, presents kneeling emperor to Christ, nimbate and holding 
scroll, seated facing on low throne to right; in five lines across 
field the emperor's name and title in Greek letters, partially 
legible. Bendall/Douglas 2 var. (this coin cited). DO 30 var. Sear 
2245. Well struck on a broad flan. Extremely fine. 

Ex LHS 97, 10 May 2006, lot 219. 

The siglum O on this coin, first noticed in the LHS catalogue of 
2006, seems to imply that it was one of Michael VIII's first issues 
after his recapture of Constantinople in 1261 AD. 

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