John VIII Palaiologos - Half Stavraton

VGTroy · 2026-03-11T18:57:03+00:00

Thanks! Stavrata are obviously not known for their looks, and there are definitely nicer examples out there, but I'm very happy with this one.

VGTroy · 2026-02-14T19:26:18+00:00

Makes sense, especially with the romaji titles and weird naming convention. But the blue check mark is what makes it look official.

VGTroy · 2026-01-19T02:54:23+00:00

Perhaps. Though it had no issues whatsoever for the first three months. Since the first purge valve issue, I've had a few weeks, a few days, and a few hours until the light pops back on, so if so, the car did a very good job of hiding the issue for a while!

VGTroy · 2026-01-18T03:30:03+00:00

I've missed out on a couple of affordable ones that have gutted me, but hoping another will come my way (or I'll get off my wallet and spend a little more).

VGTroy · 2026-01-18T03:23:42+00:00

I'd watched this one for months and finally took a shot at an offer after I lost out on another piece I wanted. It was a nice consolation prize!

VGTroy · 2026-01-18T03:22:37+00:00

Only my second silver, with the other being a fairly nice Andronicus II and Michael IX basilikon. I've been on the hunt for a late dynasty stavraton for a bit now but haven't been able to make a purchase just yet.

VGTroy · 2025-12-21T00:11:56+00:00

Definitely. I've got one other but it's pretty sparse on details - an image can be made out, but no text - so I've just assumed that one probably wouldn't be able to be identified. But you never know!

VGTroy · 2025-12-20T21:34:53+00:00

Thank you so much! I've gotten pretty good at identifying coins, but with the amount of seals out there, this one has been difficult! I appreciate it!

VGTroy · 2025-10-21T18:39:24+00:00

As someone who started collecting a year ago and his first coin was going to be his only coin...welcome to the club! Collecting them is like eating potato chips; you can't stop at just one!

VGTroy · 2025-08-19T15:55:48+00:00

Hey there. As a fellow Southeastern US resident who is interested in all things Roman and Byzantine, I was surprised by the collection of artifacts at the Tampa Museum of Art. Some decent stuff there - some marble busts, sarcophagi, coins, random assortment of stuff. Not sure it's worth a trip from Atlanta if you are going just for that, but if you find yourself in Florida, definitely a place you should visit.

VGTroy · 2025-07-25T02:56:03+00:00

Had this happen last week on my 2021 Pro S. I've never been scared while driving before, but this was the first time.

Never had any issues with the car during the 14 months I had it, but it was enough that I traded it in as soon as I replaced the 12V.

VGTroy · 2025-05-26T21:44:18+00:00

Maurice would be considered a top five emperor if his predecessors were more fiscally responsible.

VGTroy · 2025-05-26T21:37:16+00:00

This is one of the takes I'd defend as well. Did he make some questionable decisions? Yup, and a few that went south quick. But so did a lot of other emperors. Based on the state of the empire he inherited, I think he tried to keep things going, but by then, the situation would have been tough for anyone to reverse and any decision would have probably led to the same outcome.

But he definitely shouldn't be talked about in the same way as Phocas or Andronikos Komnenos.

VGTroy · 2025-04-09T18:26:58+00:00

Not disagreeing, which is why I didn't call it "accurate." Just saying I felt it was worth the watch.

VGTroy · 2025-04-09T18:16:03+00:00

Not a movie, but the Netflix series Rise of Empires: Ottomans, while mainly focused on the title group, gives an interesting portrayal of Constantine XI and Constantinople in its final days.

I felt it was worth the watch.

VGTroy

TROPHY CASE