BYZANTINE EMPIRE OF NICAEA: John III Ducas-Vatatzes (AD 1222–1254). AV hyperpyron (4.03 gm). Magnesia. Nimbate Christ enthroned facing, raising hand in benediction and holding book of Gospels / John III standing facing on left, crowned by Virgin standing facing on right. Sear 2073. DO 4–5. Graffiti and scratches in outer fields. Nearly extremely fine.

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John III Ducas-Vatatzes (AD 1222-54) was the second emperor of the Byzantine state in exile at Nicaea after the city of Constantinople had been captured by the Latins during the Fourth Crusade in 1204. He was a popular ruler, remembered for his statesmanship and strategy that helped elevate the Empire of Nicaea to the level of an international power. His military forays into Thessalonica, effectively destroying the imperial aspirations of that city’s rival Byzantine dynasty, allowed him to expand his empire into Northern Greece, securing the borders of the Empire of Nicaea and limiting Latin power within Constantinople. Although the recapture of Constantinople seemed easily within his reach, John III held back, checked by the latter's fortifications, Venetian supply abilities and the probability of a western response to such an attempt. John sought alliances in the West that could help his position, but proceedings to resolve the schism between the churches were not enthusiastically pursued on account of the Pope's unwillingness to offend the Latin rulers of Constantinople. Completing his reign admirably, John III is also remembered for his patronage of Greek literature and charitable and religious causes, influencing his later status as a local saint.