Greetings from Kalamazoo, Michigan, home of the 53rd Annual International Congress on Medieval Studies. Since I am a lit guy, I typically do not attend the numismatics sessions. But I broke with tradition and enjoyed three papers yesterday. I was intrigued by one on the gold bezant—especially one issue struck by Christians in the holy land with Arabic legends praising the Trinity and Jesus as Messiah. I wondered if such a legend was a hostile political act toward Muslim crusader enemies or a more evangelical gesture. I was especially pleased to meet Ron Bude (left), Mr. Roman Lode himself, who’s doing some interesting metallurgical analysis of Constantinian era coinage. I’m not sure why I look so happy. Maybe it was early in the day and I wasn’t tired yet. So post your crusader era coinage or even a gold bezant, should you be remarkably lucky enough to own one.
Ah, I miss going to Kalamazoo! Unfortunatly, my school has finals at this time, so I can’t escape! Crusader - Antioch Tancred, Regent, r. 1101-1103, 1104-1112 AE Type 2 Follis, 20.3 mm x 3.3 grams Obv.: Bust of Tancred facing, wearing turban, holding sword Rev.: Cross pommetée, fleuronnée at base; IC XC NI KA in quarters Ref.: De Wit 4079
He bought a Licunius from me a couple of weeks ago for that very project. He told me it might take a couple of years to get published/completed. I'd be interested to read it when it's done.
What a cool sunday, mate! (packing for a business trip... ). I´m jealous Amazing Bezant, crusaders trolling? Any chance of to steal the paper? More Antiochs: CRUSADERS, Bohémond III, 1149-1201, AR Denier, Third Crusade, Antioch: + BOAMVNDVS, helmeted crusader knight head left (´no jokes face type´); crescent to left, star to right. + ANTIOCHIA, crusader cross.
Crusader Gold Bezants of the Latin Kingdom of Jerusalem: Two Additional Sources of Information Author: D. M. METCALF Source: The Numismatic Chronicle (1966), Vol. 160 (2000), pp. 203-218:
Ha. Only one of three actually brought coins in hand. No bezants to be found. Alan Berman does bring some medieval coins to sell at the exhibitors’ stalls, which also feature copious used and new books as well as medieval ms dealers.
I only spoke briefly with him. He’s an interesting guy. A professor of radiology who does coins on the side. As a radiology guy it he seems to have access to sophisticated equipment that allows him to study the composition of LRBs. I won’t steal his thunder, but as a general description, he is looking at the relative silver content in coins of Constantine and Licinius. He also has some interesting metallurgical perspectives on the VLPP series of Constantine. Ron says he’s getting out of selling coins, so perhaps he will have time to get his research out sooner.
Allen Berman came and gave a great presentation on medieval coins at the Kalamazoo Coin Club meeting. Thanks Allen!
Not a crusader coin per say but a coin that was defiantly used by the crusaders. In fact it was from a crusader that their name was determined. Tetarteron Issued by the Eastern Roman Empire. 1919a ALEXIUS PB TETARTERON S-Unlisted DOC 37 CLBC 2.5.1 OBV Full length figures of John II beardless on r., and st Demetrius, holding between them labarum on long shaft. Emperor wears stemma, divitision, collar piece and jeweled loros of a simplified type. Saint wears short military tunic , breastplate, and saigon; holds sword, point resting on ground, in r. hand. REV Full length figures of Alexius on l. and of Irene, holding between them cross on long shaft. Both wear stemma, divitision, collar piece and jeweled loros of a simplified type. Size 16.57 Weight 2.8gm These lead Tetarteron are coronation issues of John II and believed to be the origin of the series of tetartera. Thessalonica Mint DOC lists 6 examples with weights running from3.33 gm to 6.16 gm and sizes from 17mm to 19mm beautiful example. 1919a ALEXIUS PB TETARTERON S-Unlisted DOC 37 CLBC 2.5.1 OBV Full length figures of John II beardless on r., and st Demetrius, holding between them labarum on long shaft. Emperor wears stemma, divitision, collar piece and jeweled loros of a simplified type. Saint wears short military tunic , breastplate, and saigon; holds sword, point resting on ground, in r. hand. REV Full length figures of Alexius on l. and of Irene, holding between them cross on long shaft. Both wear stemma, divitision, collar piece and jeweled loros of a simplified type. Size 16.57 Weight 2.8gm These lead Tetarteron are coronation issues of John II and believed to be the origin of the series of tetartera. Thessalonica Mint DOC lists 6 examples with weights running from3.33 gm to 6.16 gm and sizes from 17mm to 19mm Another beautiful example, much lighter. 1919a ALEXIUS PB TETARTERON S-Unlisted DOC 37 CLBC 2.5.1 OBV Full length figures of John II beardless on r., and st Demetrius, holding between them labarum on long shaft. Emperor wears stemma, divitision, collar piece and jeweled loros of a simplified type. Saint wears short military tunic , breastplate, and saigon; holds sword, point resting on ground, in r. hand. REV Full length figures of Alexius on l. and of Irene, holding between them cross on long shaft. Both wear stemma, divitision, collar piece and jeweled loros of a simplified type. Size 16.57 Weight 2.8gm These lead Tetarteron are coronation issues of John II and believed to be the origin of the series of tetartera. Thessalonica Mint DOC lists 6 examples with weights running from3.33 gm to 6.16 gm and sizes from 17mm to 19mm Another beautiful example, much lighter.
Sorry, I'm traveling and was having issues uploading the coin with hotel wifi. Don't see how to edit now.
