Well, its not exactly ancient more like medieval. But I feel its close enough to be posted here. There are some coins I find intriguing and this is one of them. Always have been interested in coins with crests, shields and lion symbols on them. I will try to keep this short. The Crusaders founded the Kingdom of Cyprus when Richard I of England conquered it in 1191. Richard, later sold it to the Knights Templar. But they couldn't hold on to Cyprus and eventually gave the land back to Richard. Crusaders, Kingdom of Cyprus James I, Billon Denier 1382-1398 O: + IAQVE ROI DE Lion of Cyprus rampant left R: + Ch IERV3ALEm, + Malloy Crusaders 113a var. A bit about James I, after father's death his half brother Peter took over and then Peter II. Under the treaty that was signed by Peter II, James was forced to leave Cyprus and was eventually arrested and led to Genoa, Genoese. After the death of Peter II, James was asked to come back to Cyprus to rule since Peter II had no heirs. Even then he could not be declared king, since the land were ran by 12 nobles. It wasn't until his second return to Cyprus when he was crowned king.
I know very little about medieval history or coins, but have been thinking about collecting them. So I appreciate you sharing your coin and providing some history! I agree...that coin is intriguing.
I'm with the Guru but I know most of the history & zero on the coins. I really like the celtic, vikings type. When I get a firm hold of these ancients I believe that will be my next interest . Great OP nice piece of a history lesson
@icerain nice coin. I love medieval history as well as Roman and Greek, but I only have a couple of coins of that era.
i didn't know the history behind this either, cool coin and info IR. i have this contemporary ugly coin from bulgaria. Bulgaria, Ivan Stratzimir, 1360-1396 AD, AR Ducat O: Czar enthroned. R: Bust of Christ. Greirson 388, 18 mm, 0.8 g
FRANCE, FEUDAL, Valence, Bishops of Valence and Die, Denier OBVERSE: Stylized angel facing, +VRBS VALENTIAI REVERSE: Cross annulet in fourth quadrant, +S APOLLI NARS Struck at Valence, FR, 1157-1276 1.18g, 19mm Boudeau 1021
Here is one that I dont think I have posted here before It's a bit worn but still rather nice. 1426 Wien Pfennig King Albrecht V 1411-39 Monier Niclas
