EMPIRE of TREBIZOND. John II, with Alexius II. 1280-1297. AR Asper (2.28 gm). Struck circa 1297. OA ?? ?????C, St. Eugenius, nimbate, standing facing, holding long cross / IWO K ?????OC K, John standing facing, holding labarum, clasping hands with his son Alexius, who holds sceptre. Retowski 3; BMC Vandals pg. 276; SB 2616. VF, flatly struck. Extremely rare. ($500) With the recent finds of a number of coins of Theodora, this asper of the joint reign of John II and Alexius II presently rates as the rarest Trebizond silver asper. Used with permission of CNG (cngcoins.com) Sale: CNG 66, Lot: 1824. Estimate $500. Closing Date: Wednesday, 19 May 2004. Sold For $2300.