Silver grosh, unlocalised mint in Serbia (?), second type (with St Stephen)

Michael III Shishman Asen — silver — 1.11.2

Metal: Silver
Diameter: 20 mm
Weight: 1.7 g
Rarity: R9 — between 5 and 15 known

Obverse

Jesus Christ, seated on a throne with a high rectangular backrest, with long hair and beard. Around His head is a nimbus containing a cross. Christ is dressed in a chiton and sindon. In His left hand He holds a Gospel, and with His right hand He blesses in front of His chest. In the field on both sides of the head are the initials ІС - ХС.

Reverse

The Tsar, on the left, and St. Stephen (?) (Evangelist Mark, modeled on the Venetian matapan), standing full-length, hold between them a banner with a long staff, on which a cross is depicted. At the upper end, to the left of the banner staff, the Latin title CAR (tsar) is inscribed vertically. Tsar Michael is bareheaded, with long hair, beard, and mustache. He is dressed in a sakkos and mantle. In his left hand he holds the anexikakia. St. Stephen has a pearl nimbus, short hair, beard, and mustache. He is dressed in a chiton and sindon. In his left hand he holds a Gospel in front of his chest. Circular Latin inscription in two parts: MICHAIL - S. STEFAN.