Italy, John VIII Palaeologus, Emperor of Constantinople, c.1438, a cast bronze medal by A. di Puccio Pisano, called Pisanello, bust right wearing tall hat with pointed brim, legend in Greek around, reverse the Emperor riding right [towards Ferrara] and acknowledging a highway cross, mounted page behind, OPVS PISANI PICTORIS, further Greek legend below, 101mm (Hill, Corpus, 19; Kress 1; BDM IV, 568; cf. Clifford 1). An aftercast of good colour and clear definition, very fine (£250-350)

John VIII Palaeologus (1390-1448), the penultimate Byzantine Emperor, 1425-48. The original medal commemorated the Council of the two Christian Churches held at Ferrara between 29 Feb. 1438 and 10 Jan. 1439. This example appears to be of some considerable age