The Byzantine Emperor, John V Palaeologus was born today on 18th June 1332. His long reign was marked by civil war and increased domination by the Ottoman Turks.

He was born in Didymoteicho to Emperor Andronikos III and his wife Anna. He succeeded his father in 1341 at the age of eight. John was too young to rule, and a dispute over the regency broke out between his mother, Anna of Savoy, and John Cantacuzenus, a chief minister under Andronicus III.

During he issued gold, silver, and copper coins in the denomination of Basilikon, Stravaton, Tornese, Assarion, and Stamenon. The above shown silver Basilikon issued during his reign from Constantinople mint. The obverse of a coin depicts the Christ standing facing within mandorla. On the other hand, the reverse of a coin portrays the John V and VI standing facing, each wearing crown and loros and holding cross-tipped scepter.

Image Source: Heritage Auctions