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Byzantine, Islamic, Crusader coins

These three powers conquered and ruled the Holy Land for over 1000 years. Theirs were the coins of local commerce, whether produced in the country or in nearby mints. These overlapped and must have circulated side by side, making transactions interesting and complicated. Often, the coins of one regime were gathered and overstruck or melted to provide the metal for new mintings. Finding them in excavations helps identify, and even date, archaeological digs.

Byzantine.Initial Denominations

In the 400's, these were the only regular issues of the empire: a gold Solidus, gold Semissis, and gold Tremissis, and a tiny bronze Nummus. Anastasius I (491-518) instituted a reform in 498, issuing bronze coins in a range of denominations. This becomes the accepted beginning point of 'Byzantine' coinage.

Byzantine Denominations set

Byzantine coin denominations were multiples of the smallest coin, the Nummus. Value was indicated by a Greek letter, corresponding to a number (much the same as Hebrew letters do). A=1,E=5, I=10, K=20, M=40. These were all bronze. They varied somewhat in size by reign. Silver and gold were valued by weight and metal content, which was remarkably consistent. The chief mints were in Constantinople and Antioch.

Byzantine denomination set.P1070782 (3)

Byzantine Gold

The basis of Byzantine economy was the gold solidus. It was struck at 72 to a pound of gold and was quite pure at 96% gold. It continued unchanged for 500 years. Fractions include the Semissis, equal to half a Solidus, and the Tremissis, equal to a third of a Solidus. These circulated in Rome and continued unchanged into the Byzantine era.

Byzantine busts

Byzantine art was driven by religious considerations. Within 25 years, coin portraits were almost all facing front. Individual features were no longer presented. Instead, an idealized, standardized face, with symbols of power and religion, stares at the holder.

Gold Solidus

Solidus. weight. 4.2 g. 20 mm. Constans II (641-668). It maintained its weight and purity for centuries, and was the basis for a strong economic system. Obverse bust facing forward, wearing a crown and chlamys (imperial mantle), holding a globus cruciger (an orb topped by a cross showing Christian dominion). DN CONSTANTINUS PP. Reverse shows a cross above 3 steps: VICTORIA AUGU S. CONOB indicates the validity and purity of the coin. Sear #947. This one shaved a bit, from full 4.5 g. weight.

Gold Semissis

Half a solidus. 2.18 grams.17 mm. Justin II (565-578). DN IUSTI NIUS PP AVI. Reverse Victory seated right on trophy, inscribing shield: VICTORIA AUG GG and below CONOB. Sear #351.

Gold Tremissis

One third of a solidus. Weight 1.2 g. 14 mm. Theodosius II (408-419). THEODO SIUS PF AUG. Reverse victory walking right holding wreath and globus cruciger. Around: VICTORIAAUGUSTORUM and below CONOB. This one listed at the end of the Roman catalogue: Sear #4193.

Silver Hexagram

Hexagram. silver. weight 6.6 gram. Equal to 2 miliarense so worth 1/6 of a solidus (1200 Nummi). The first major silver coin of the Byzantine mint, but short lived. Constans II (641-668) with chlamys and globus cruciger. DN CONSTANTINUS PP. Reverse shows a cross above a globe and 3 steps. DEUS ADIUTA ROMANIS. (May G-d Help the Romans). Sear #991

Silver.Miliarense

Introduced in the 700s, This version was called a miliarense. Light and thin, it weighs 2.2 grams. Issued by Michael III (842-867). Due to the iconoclast movement that opposed religious images, this coin has none, only the cross and words: Obverse shows a cross above 3 steps. Around : IhSUS XRI STUS NICA (‘May Jesus Christ Conquer’). The reverse is all inscription: MIXA/HL PISZOS/MEGAS bA/SILEUS RO/MAION (Michael Faithful Believer Great King of the Romans’). Constantinople. Sear #1692.

Follis

Follis. This was the highest value copper coin, equal to 40 nummi. Thus the 'M' on the reverse. Sharply struck. Justin & Sophia (565-578) on obverse: DN IUSTINUS PP. Reverse shows regnal year VII and mint NIKO(media) (in Turkey). This example represents the usual size of a follis at 28 mm. Sear #369.

Copper 30 Nummia

Heraclius (610-641) issued this infrequent denomination, also known as a 3/4 Follis. Here he is shown with H. Constantine. The reverse bears a large Lambda 'L' signifying 30. 23 mm. Sear #811.

Copper 20 Nummia

Twenty nummi.(half-follis). Copper. Justin II (565-578). 25 mm. Obverse Justin II and Empress Sophia seated on a double throne facing, each holding scepter, globe in between, legend unclear (IUSTINUS ?). Reverse features the denomination ‘K’ between ANNO and IIU (=7). Sear # 381.

Byz.Decanummium_edited

Decamummium = 10 Nummia. 18 mm. This one features Justin II and Sophia seated, with a large cross between. Names tiny and not legible. The reverse bears the 'I', surrounded by ANNO and X for the 10th regnal year. Below THEUP = Theoupolis is the mint. This was Antioch's new name after an earthquake in 528. Sear #383.

Byz.Decanummium_edited

Maurice Tiberius (582-602) issued this decanummium. His portrait and garbled name on the obverse. He is holding in his right hand a 'Mappa' (a signal cloth to start chariot races), in his left an eagle-tipped scepter. (He chose Roman/Latin numerals for this issue so the reverse shows a large 'X' for '10'.) ANNO on left and II on right for 2nd regnal year. Antioch/Theoupolis. 17.5 mm. Sear # 383.

Copper Pentanummium

This is the 5 nummia value. Justinian I. 13mm. obv. Faint bust facing right. Rev.: ’e’ and cross. Sear #274. These copper denominations were created by the monetary reform of Anastasius I in 498. Due to inflation they began to disappear a century later and by mid-8th century, only the follis remained.

Nummus_edited

This was the smallest coin - at most 8 mm. Until coinage reform in 498, it was the only small denomination, serving alongside the gold issues. The obverse bears an lmage of the emperor's bust and the reverse is taken up entirely by an 'A' for '1'. 576 of these were made from a Roman pound of copper. But it took 7200 of them to acquire a gold solidus.

Copper 1 nummium

This was the smallest coin - at most 8 mm. Until coinage reform in 498, it was the only small denomination, serving alongside the gold issues. The obverse bears a blurred emperor's bust and the reverse is taken up entirely by an 'A' for '1'. 576 of these were made from a Roman pound of copper. But it took 7200 of them to acquire a gold solidus.

Folles compared

Unlike the gold, the copper coins varied in size. These 3 are all legal issues, but 23, 14, and 6 grams in weight. The large one was issued by Justinian I around 550, although smaller ones preceded it. The medium one is from Justin II in about 573. The small one is from Constans II around 650. The follis was the workhorse of the common transaction, but suffered from ongoing inflation. The weight dropped from 1/24 of a pound to 1/60 of a pound.

byz.Folles_edited

Still, the iconic 'M' became the telltale sign of valid coinage for daily circulation.

Egypt.Persian Issue

Persia was a longtime enemy of the Romans. They occupied Egypt from 618-628. Byzantine coins continued to circulate and Persia added their own imitations. The facing bust is attributed to Khushro II king of Persia instead of the reigning emperor Heraclius. Obverse facing bust, cross/crescent combination atop crown. Left a star, right a crescent. Reverse bears IB (=12) ( a unique Egyptian denomination) around a cross, below mint ALEX(andria). Sear #856.

Persian Imitation

The Persians drew from a variety of emperor images in circulation and featured the large 'M' on the reverse. But inscriptions are garbled including the mint names. ANNappears on the left and the O is now below the line, next to NIK for the mint name. The regnal year XIII doesn't match up with the roman rulers but may match the year that the Persians were in control! Foss #1.

Follis.Countermark.Caesaria

Between the end of Persian occupation and the Moslem conquest, Byzantium regained control of the Holy Land. Based on archaeological finds, this type was minted in Caesaria. The host coin is from an earlier emperor while the countermark represents HER (Heraclius) - 610-641. (Several dozen countermarks were used on Byzantine coins). The emperor in a helmet or crown on the obverse, 'M', year 6, and NIKO(media mint) on reverse. 30 mm. Foss page 16.

Follis.Neapolis

Another issue assumed based on finds to be struck in the Holy Land, this one shows Heraclius and H. Constantine on the obverse. The reverse reads ANNO and XXV. Below the line NEA which is interpreted 'Neapolis' - a city in ancient Palestine known as Nablus today. they are dated to 636 at the end of Roman control. Foss page 14.

Seated.with prototype

Interestingly, Byzantine coinage continued to arrive and circulate in our area. This reduced follis was minted under Constans II at the beginning of his reign (641-668), after the Moslem conquest, and is found in quantities here. Around the emperor: EN TOTO NIKA ('with this cross conquer'). Right of the M NEOS ('Renewal') and the date, not visible here. Constantinople. 18-21 mm. Sear #1005. Foss page 20.

Cyprus Imitation

This early Moslem issue imitates a Cyprus issue. It was made by cutting a follis in half and trimming the edges. We see three images of rulers, crosses, garbled legends, but a readable KYPR mint name on the bottom. Foss page 22.

Poor Imitation

These are found mostly in Palestine and Syria. Both front and back show a clear cross. The engraving is not bad but the inscriptions are hopelessly random. Struck on a quarter of an older larger folis. Foss #20.

Early Imitation.Constans

This early imitation is based on Constans II. We see scattered Greek letters. The flan was cut from a larger one and one of the corners wasn't trimmed. We can make out the M and a cross but not the letters around.

De-Christianized Type

Coin designs followed which still showed an emperor and an M, but no longer any crosses. No visible inscriptions on this one. Above the M is a very clear star instead of a cross. these are found in Israel and Jordan. Foss page 33.

Countermarked.'Balad'

This small scrap of metal was also struck as a follis, with a clear M and partial 'ANNO'. Not much is clear on the obverse, partly due to an Arabic countermark. It may read 'BLD' or 'JYYD' meaning 'valid'. Countermarks were used to validate coins for the population. Foss #34.

Bilingual Damascus

A new series, attributed to Caliph Mu'awiya (660-680) Blends Greek and Arabic inscriptions, while maintaining Byzantine images. The imperial figure and 3 crosses are clear. Around in imitation Greek 'DAMACKOC. Above the M is a Greek monogram (Sear #25). Around, some squiggles and below in Arabic DMSK for Damascus. Well engraved and produced. Like Foss #35.

Pseudo-Damascus

A coin type that is closely associated with Damascus coinage but is unidentified is called 'Pseudo-Damascus'. They are found in our region. The imperial figure has a fancy headdress, long beard and a very prominent mustache. He is holding a cross-like item which seems to have a crescent at its top! The M is reversed, with stars dots and letters LE around and within. Foss #56.

Hunter

A coin with a similar reverse actually shows Greek ANO, some regnal year markings on the right, and a Cross above the M. Below are letters that may spell MAD - that is - Dama(scus) in reverse. More intriguing is the obverse in which the figure wears a short (hunting?) outfit. On his left wrist is a bird, likely a falcon, which was a popular hunting bird with Moslem leaders. See Foss Page 47.

Heliopolis.Baalbak

this city was located in Lebanon. The obverse shows 2 standing crowned figures, one holding a cross, and a cross between them. The reverse shows around the M HLIO POLE in Greek. Below in Arabic BALBK.18-20 mm. Foss #60.

Homs.bold

Homs is in west Syria, known to the Greeks as Emesa. This well-struck coin shows a Byzantine emperor holding a globus cruciger and wearing a crown topped by a cross. Left reads in Greek KALON ('good') and right in Arabic B'HOMS. On the reverse around M we read EMI CIC and symbols. Beneath in Arabic: TYIB (Good). This is the most common issue. Foss # 75.

Homs.In the name of Allah

This Homs example has KALON to the left of the figure and 3 crosses. To the right in Arabic seems to be (Bis)MALLAH ('in the name of Allah'). The reverse shows the name EMICIC around the M, with the 'E' reversed. Below, 'TYIB'. Above an imitation Greek monogram. Inside the M an A which on the original Byzantine coins denoted the mint office that produced it. Foss --.

Homs.Bismillah

This Homs example shows 3 crosses. 'BSMALLA' in Arabic appears left of the figure. On the right a couple of stray Greek letters, perhaps K and O. Around the M we read EMI CIC. A cross above and most likely ('Tayib') below. Foss --.

Tiberias.one ruler.Greek

Tiberias also issued an early single figure type. The imperial image features 2 prominent crosses. On the right we read TIBEIDE. On the left perhaps OC. also apparently an animal. The reverse bears a cross above the M. Around are Greek letters that may read XALED which would be an Arabic name in Greek letters. Below are Greek letters that seem to spell BON ('good') but in reverse. An enigmatic coin in great condition. Foss #44.

Jerusalem

Struck on a fourth of an older larger follis, this coin spells Jerusalem in Greek around and under the M: IERO COLY MON. The obverse is hard to make out due to the understrike. We see a standing imperial figure, seems to hold a globus cruciger. On his right a bird on a stand. No readable inscription. Foss # 45.

Tiberias.3 figures

Tiberias issued this design copying 3 figures from coins of Heraclius. No inscription but crosses atop each head. The reverse shows the M, above it monogram #25 and A inside it. Around in Greek and Arabic: TIBERIADOC and 'TABARIYA'. Foss #81.

Baisan.3 figures

Baisan (Roman 'Nicopolis'; Jewish 'Beit She'an') also issued a 3 figure imitation, with crosses. The reverse has the M and the monogram and the A. Notably, the inscription is all Arabic, clockwise from the right: 'FALS/AL-HAQ/BiBAISAN' ('A true fals in Baisan'). Foss page 62.

3 figure prototype.

Here are the 3 figure issues, with a prototype above. It is a follis of Heraclius, Sear # 835. Heraclius is in the center, son Heraclius Constantine on the right, and Empress Martina on the left, all standing and facing. This image also appeared on a gold solidus of Heraclius.

2 figures.Scythopolis

This issue is part of a group based on a 2 figure prototype. 2 seated figures each holding a cross-tipped scepter. Around: CKYTO + POLIC. This is the old Roman name Nysa Skytopolis. Reverse shows M, ANNO (with reversed Ns) and regnal numbers. Below, NIKO imitating the original mint of Nicomedia. Some examples include Arabic. 26 mm. Foss # 82.

Baisan.20 Nummia

Unique among the Arab-Byzantine issues is this 'K' (20) denomination. Obverse shows 2 crude seated figures, no legend and no crosses. Reverse 'K' and a bar next to it. Above, a crescent and below an X. To the left in Arabic: BAISAN. 17 mm. Foss # 85.

Gerasa.2 Figures

Designed in the style of Skytopolis, we see 2 enthroned figures on the obverse. Scattered letters seem to be part of 'GERASA' also known as Jerash. Prominent cross over the M, ANNO to left, X and I visible on the right, Below, NIKO but letters are reversed. 28 mm. Foss # 86.

Abila.2 Figures

A third issue in the 2 figure style shows clear crosses. Around the figures are scattered letters including 'A' and 'B' and 'L' leading to the assumption that it is from Abila. These 3 cities were in the same area. The reverse shows M, a cross, ANNO, a regnal number, and the mint NIKO. This example is double struck, obscuring some details. 27 mm. Foss # 87.

Compare prototype Nysa

The three 2-figure types, below their prototype. The original is a follis of Justin shown with Sophia. M, Cross, A on the reverse, with ANNO and the year 5+1+1, and the mint NIKO below. 28mm. The imitations copied this relatively large size, along with the design. But they are much thinner and lighter. Sear #369.

Baisan.Arabic

This Baisan issue is smaller, reflecting a trend. It still shows an imperial figure wearing & carrying crosses. The reverse shows the M and monogram above. But now, the words are all Arabic. Left, the mint name 'Baisan' - but backwards! This happens when the die engraver forgets which direction HE has to engrave the die. On the right 'JA'IZ' meaning legal. These transitional issues needed validation for the Christian residents, through images & crosses, and for Moslem invaders too.

Standing Caliph.Damascus

This group preserves the concept of previous coins but abandons emperors and crosses. The figure is called a 'Standing caliph'. Bearded, wearing an Arab headdress, his right hand rests on his sword (the posture of early Imams when delivering a sermon). Around in Arabic some of: La Illaha Illa Allah Wahadahu Muhammad Rasul Allah.(There is no god but Allah, Muhammad is his prophet'. The reverse replaces the cross-on-steps of Byzantium with a column & circle. Foss # 104. Mostly Syrian mints.

Standing Caliph.Damascus

The reverse repeats parts of the same legend in Arabic: La Illaha Illa Allah Wahadahu Muhammad Rasul Allah.(There is no god but Allah, Muhammad is his prophet'.) The cross-on-steps of Byzantium is replaced with a column and circle above steps. the symbol is not understood. These have been dated to Abd-al -Malek (685-705). 18 mm. Foss # 104.

Standing Caliph.Ilya

In Palestine proper, the standing caliph has clearer features, the sword is short, the tunic has a lined pattern. Around in Arabic: MUHAMMAD RASUL ALLAH (Muhammad is the prophet of Allah'). ?! Is this image of Mohammad?! The reverse preserves the M. Around it in Arabic: ILYA FILISTIN (Aelia/Jerusalem Palestine). These were the last to preserve the Byzantine 'M'. Crudely cut flan. Foss #92.

Standing Calih.Yubneh

Another in the Palestine Caliph series, this one from Yubneh (Yavneh). The figure is more crude. Around: MUHAMMAD RASUL ALLAH. Reverse preserves the 'M' and around it YUBNEH to the right and FILISTIN to the left. Crude. Foss # 93. 20 mm. A similar but rare issue was struck at Ludd.

Ilya.caliph.nice

Reform.anonymous

In 685, after a period of civil war, Abd al-Malik ibn Marwan became the 5th Caliph of the Umayyad dynasty. During his 20-year reign he established Arabic as the official language of the Muslim world, and reformed Islamic coinage. Gone are images and Greek. This common anonymous issue just says in Arabic 'There is no deity but Allah alone / Muhamad is Allah's prophet'.

Reform.Shahada.Ilya

This coin is similar, with the addition of a mint name - Ilya (left image, bottom line). That was the name - Aelia (Capitolina) - Rome had given to Jerusalem after conquering Bar Kochba. 19 mm. SNAT #4.

Reform.overstrike

This is a generic reform 'Fals', struck over an existing circulating Arab-Byzantine coin. Comparing it with an original, we see the city name 'Tiberiadoc' at the lower left, which was not obliterated by the overstrike. Overstriking coins was efficient, because it sped up the process. It was also a way of repudiating a previous regime or policy.

Reform.Iliya.Jerusalem

This is the final result of Umayyad reform. The bronze coin was called a 'Fals' (from Roman 'follis'). The legends are the same except for the mint name. Obverse, in Arabic: 'There is no deity but Allah alone'. Reverse: Muhamad is the prophet of Allah'. Around: 'In the name of Allah this Fals minted in Ilya (Jerusalem)'.24 mm. SNAT #8.

Reform.Akko

Similar. Mint name is Akka (Akko/Acre). The yellow line shows where the name appears in Arabic. Oblong 19-22 mm. SNAT # 408.

Reform.Ashqelon

Similar. Mint name Ashqelon. On some examples the district name 'Filistin' (Palestine) also appears. Crude 21 mm. SNAT # 173.

Reform.Anbalus.Nablus

Similar. The mint same reads 'Anbalus' which is catalogued as Baniyas but also assumed to mean Nablus (Shechem), both in Palestine. 21-23 mm. SNAT # 255.

Reform.Bayt Jibrin

Similar. This city was Roman Eleutheropolis. 22-24 mm. SNAT # 40.

Reform.Lod

Similar. 24 mm. SNAT # 210.

Reform.Ramleh

Similar. Ramleh was the administrative center of the Umayyad rule in the area (not Jerusalem!). 27-29 mm. Notice a branch mintmark inside the double circle. Unusually well struck. SNAT # 48.

Reform.Safuriya.marked

Similar. This was Jewish Tzipori and Roman Sepphoris. Oblong 20-24 mm. SNAT # 278.

Reform.Tabariya

Similar. This is Tiberias. 22 mm. SNAT # 302. Notice the bird on the reverse perched above Muhamad's name. This example unusually round, centered, and well struck.

Reform.Yubna

Similar. This is Yavneh. 19-21 mm. SNAT # 224.

Reform.Ramle

Similar. Ramle was the administrative center of Palestine. This coin shows a palm branch between the 2 circles. It also records the name of the district: Palestine. When the coin is rotated, that can be read on the top. 25 mm. SNAT # 58 (similar).

Reform.Ramleh.half

A group of smaller coins, about 16 mm., are perhaps meant to be half denomination of the fals. This one has the usual legends but bears a branch on the obverse and a crescent on the reverse. Struck in Ramle. SNAT # 67.m

Reform.Anonymous.half

Another half-denomination. This one is anonymous but believed to be from Palestine. Notably, it features a bird - hawk ? - on the reverse. 15 mm. SNAT # 532.

Reform.Menorah

Another half-denomination. Notably, showing a 5 branched candelabra (Menorah ?). "There is no deity but Allah'. etc. Some rare examples show a Seven branched candelabra, reminiscent of a rare Jewish coin of Matitya Antigonus in the 2nd Temple. SNAT # 30.

Reform.Abbasid.Gold Dinar

Sassanian Dirham.Wasit

This silver dirham was minted in Persia by the Sassanian empire. This ruler is Khushro II (590 - 628). 30 mm. weight 4.1 g. When the Arabs overran them, the minting of dirhams continued. This one was minted in Wasit, Iraq.

Sassanian Dirham.Compared

Under Umayyad ruler Abd al-Malik, an Arabic inscription was added outside the circle design. Here we see the similarity of the Arab issue to the Persian one. The ruler appears on the obverse. On the reverse appears the fire altar worshipped by the Persians, between 2 attendants.

Arab Sassanian Dirham

The Persian images and script are still there. Outside the circle has been added in Arabic: 'In the name of Allah; Muhamad is the Prophet of Allah'.

Reform.Silver Dirham

Eventually, under Umayyad reform, the style was adopted of all-Arabic design. This issue by Walid (705-715) weighs 2.7 grams. 'In the name of Allah, this dirham struck in Wasit in the year 1 and ninety.' (Moslem date). Reverse: 'Muhammad is the messenger of God. He sent him with guidance and the true religion to reveal it to all religions even if the polytheists abhor it.'

Reform.Silver Dirham.Damascus_edited

This dirham was struck closer to our region, in Damascus. 28 mm. 2.8 g.

Abbasid.Gaza

Abbasid dynasty continued to mint a small bronze coin - Fals. They are consistent in size and design, smaller than the Umayyad coins. The obverse always has a design around the perimeter, generally a cable/chain design or olive leaves. The calligraphy is distinctive - flatter and wider than previously. It includes date and mint. This one is from Gaza. A large obverse die break obscures the center words. 18 mm. SNAT #179/180.

Abbasid.Caesaria

Caesaria. Olive leaf border. Here too a die break obscures some of the wording. 'La Ilaha... Muhamad Rasul Allah - There is no deity but Allah / Muhamad is the prophet of Allah.' SNAT # 201

Abbasid.Ramle

Ramle. Cable border around obverse. 19 mm. SNAT # 98. Well-centered clear example.

Abbasid.Jerusalem

Moslems call Jerusalem 'el-Kuds', 'Hakadosh', meaning the Holy Place. The name is common in literature but rare on coins. This is the only instance of that name appearing on a coin. The reverse inscription around: 'In the name of Allah this fals struck in Al-Kuds year 219'. SNAT # 33.

Crusades.Baldwin.Tower.rough

Crusader forces seized control of Jerusalem in 1099. The following year Baldwin of Edessa became 'King of Jerusalem' (1100-1118). Obverse shows a cross and BALDVINUS REX. Reverse shows the Tower of David in rough stone and DE IERUSALEN. The cross is ubiquitous on Crusader coins. Weight .8 g. 17 mm. This is a billon (debased silver) Denier (Medieval French for Denarius). Malloy #3.

Crusades.Baldwin.smooth tower

Another Baldwin Denier. this one is called the 'smooth series' because the tower stones are rendered more smoothly on the coin. Baldwin's cousin of the same name (Baldwin II) succeeded him (1118-1131). He was succeeded by a son in law and then grandsons Baldwin III and Amaury. Malloy # 16.

Crusades.Amaury

Amaury (1163-1174) issued this denier. Obverse around the cross: AMALRICUS REX. The reverse image is understood to be the 'Church of the Holy Sepulchre', Christianity's holiest site in Jerusalem. Around; DE IERUSALEM. .089 g. 18 mm. Malloy #25.

Crusades.French.Star & Cross

This French denier illustrates what coins the Crusaders were used to back home and imitated as to size and weight. it is from Deols (today Chateauroux) France issued by a series of Raouls. Obv: RADULFUS around a 6 pointed star. Rev.: DE DOLIS around a cross. Interesting design but no known Jewish connection.

Crusades.Cut gold Fragments

Pieces of gold have been found in coin hoards which appear to be coins that were cut into fragments. These would have been used as fractions by merchants and also pilgrims. The reconstructed design shows a gate in an octafoil surrounded by HIERUSALEM CIVITAS - City of Jerusalem. The sketch shows which part of the design appears on the fragment. .4 g. 10mm.

Crusades.Gold Dinar.Bezant_edited

The Crusaders found Arab gold coins - Dinars - in circulation, which they called 'Arab Bezants'. Before long they were imitating them, at Acre and other mints. In crude letters: 'Abu Ali...Commander of the Believers... struck in Egypt' (the originals, that is.) On the reverse: 'Muhammad is the messenger of God Who sent him...with the religion of truth to make it prevail over every religion'. The gold is about 95% pure. 3.8 g. 21 mm. Malloy #4.

Crusades.Aleppo.Ayyubid Imitation

Ayyubid dynasty ruled from 1174-1260. Saladin's son al-Zahir Ghazi issued silver dirhams (1201-16) at Aleppo. Similar examples dated after his death are assumed to be Crusader imitations, like this one. Obv. bears al-Zahir name. Around: 'Struck in Alleppo in year...' Reverse: 'There is no deity but Allah etc., and sultan al-Adil and caliph al-Nasir. 3.0 g. 20 mm. Malloy #1. The 6-pointed star was a frequent Islamic geometric design.

Ayyubid Dynasty.

These dirhams and half-dirhams are Ayyubid issues. They generally weigh 2.8 and 1.4 grams respectively. We see a variety of geometric designs around the legends. Most were produced in Egypt or Syria. Some were even minted in Gaza.

Crusades.Xian Arab Dirham

A French Bishop ended the practice of imitations with Muhammad's name. Starting 1251 dirhams were issued - in Arabic - with crosses and Christian phrases. Obv: 'One God, one faith, one Baptism. Struck in Acre year 1251 of the Incarnation'. Rev: The Father the Son the Holy spirit One divinity...'. Three crosses appear among the Arabic words. 2.9 g. 21 mm. Malloy #15. The hole allowed coins to be worn as necklaces and headdresses.

Crusades.Beirut

Important cities in the Crusader Kingdom of Jerusalem that issued coins include Haifa, Tyre Beirut and Tripoli. In the Lordship of Beirut, Raymond of Tripoli, as regent for the Baldwin dynasty, issued these bronze coins ('pougeoise') in 1185. Obv: a tower and around it TURRIS. Rev: 8 pointed star and around DAVIT. This tower inspired by the Tower of David in Jerusalem. .5 g. 15 mm. Malloy #2.

Crusades.Tripoli

Tripoli was captured in1109. A grandson Raymond II ruled 1137-1152. He issued this bronze coin. Obv: RAIMUNDI COMITIS (Count Raymond) around a cross. Rev: MONETA TRIPOLIS (Tripoli money) around a cross. .9 g. 15 mm. Malloy #3.

Crusades.Antioch.Tancred

Antioch was a Crusader conquest already in 1098. Bohemund was proclaimed "Prince of Antioch but in his absence ruled nephew Tancred ('Prince of Galilee'). Tancred issued this coin showing his own bust wearing a turban and holding a sword. Around : 'Lord Help Your Servant Tancred'. Rev: (between arms of cross) IC/XC/NI/KA ('Jesus Christ Conquers'). Traces of a previous understrike. 3.5 g. 22 mm. Malloy #4a.

Crusades.Antioch.Tancred.Light

Another Tancred issue, similar but much thinner and lighter. Appears cut from a thin sheet and clipped to be octagonal. 1.2 g. 21 mm. Malloy #4b.

Crusades.Antioch.Helmet

.8 g

Crusades.Edessa

Edessa, a city in southern turkey near Syria today, was the center of a Crusader county, the first to be established in the first crusade in 1098. Baldwin II (1100-1118 ruled until he succeeded his cousin as King of Jerusalem. Obv: a Crusade soldier in full chain mail facing left and holding a cross. [Around ' Baldwin servant of the cross'.] Rev: a cross with embellishments. 3.2 g. 20 mm. Malloy # 9a. The area was lost to the Moslems in 1146.

Crusades.Hospitalers of Jerusalem

A remnant of the Crusades is shown on this coin of Malta, issued by Emmanuel de Rohan, Grand Master of Knights of Hospitaller (originally) of Jerusalem. That was a military religious order charged with defending the Holy Land. They later operated a vassal state in Malta under Spain. This 1777 silver coin gives the name of Rohan and his coat of arms. On the reverse the inscription HOSPI ETS SEP HIER alludes to their original mission of defending the Holy Sepulchre and Jerusalem.