IC-XC, Christ bearded, seated facing, wearing nimbus; Gospels in left hand. Eight-rayed stars on each side, double linear legs to throne / MANUHL DECP, Manuel on the left, holding labarum and cross on globe, being crowned by Mary, both standing facing, M above Mary's outstretched hand. 23mmx28mm, 2.7 grams. Constantinople mint. Sear 1966. Dumbarton Oaks IV 13. 

Manuel I Komnenos (r. 1143–1180) was one of the most energetic and ambitious rulers of the Byzantine Empire. A member of the Komnenian dynasty, he pursued an active foreign policy, campaigning against the Seljuk Turks, Hungarians, Normans, and other rivals while seeking to restore Byzantine influence throughout the Mediterranean. Manuel cultivated close diplomatic and cultural ties with Western Europe, reflecting his admiration for certain aspects of Latin chivalric culture. Although his reign marked the last great period of Byzantine power and prestige, the empire's resources were strained by his extensive military ventures, and its fortunes declined after his death.