Byzantine Empire, Manuel I, Hyperpyron

It was the will of John II Komnenos that the throne would pass to his fourth and youngest son Manuel after his death. Manuel (1143-1180) issued only one type of the hyperpyra during his 37-year reign. The coins bore an unusual depiction of Christ, resembling a children's drawing. The reverse shows the emperor with a labarum – a banner with the Chi Rho – and a cross globe.