Base metal tetarteron 1071-1078.
Obv. +ΘKЄRo - HΘЄI+ Bust of the nimbate Virgin facing, wearing pallium and maphorium. On l. MP ligate, on r. ΘV. In front of her, she holds medallion with the picture of the infant Christ. Pellets l. and r. of the infant's head.
Rev. +MIX - A - HA - S MA - RIΛ Crowned bust of Michael in loros on l. and crowned bust of his wife, Maria, on r. She is wearing jewelled robe with broad collar. Together they hold between them a long cross with X and pellet within crescent.
Sear cf. 1872 (see note). DOC cf. 5d.
4.39 g. About very fine.
At first look one sees no gold content in this coin. It does not seem to be a contemporary counterfeit. The workmanship is too good. Perhaps the mint issued some tetartera in base metal ´´to cover costs´´?
Purchased from Baldwin´s London in May 1975.