Last update: 21 August 2008
MC502B. Cilician Armenia, Levon I, ca 1198-1219, AR Tram (3.0g). King enthroned facing/2 lions, long cross behind, Bedoukian 259. Centered, some flatness in a few spots but nice figures, dark grey tone, a nice example with a bold portrait, scarce this nice, Very Fine....$95 Photo
MC502C. Cilician Armenia, Levon I, ca 1198-1219, AR Tram (3.0g). King enthroned facing/2 lions, long cross behind, Nerc. 286ff. Centered, some weakness in legends as usual, clear types, light tone, a very nice example, Very Fine+....$125 Photo
MC509A. Cilician Armenia, Levon I, ca 1198-1219, AE Tank. Bearded leonine head facing, 5 dots in crown/Patriarchal cross on 2 steps, star either side, Nerc. 301ff. Slightly offcenter on large flan, nothing off, dark brown patina, clear types with clear lion head, Very Fine/about Very Fine....$95 Photo
MC509B. Cilician Armenia, Levon I, ca 1198-1219, AE Tank. Bearded leonine head facing, 6 dots in crown/Patriarchal cross on 2 steps, star either side, Nerc. 308. Slightly offcenter on oversized flan, nothing off, some legend weak, black patina, clear types with nice bold lion head, Very Fine/about Very Fine....$85 Photo
MC504A. Armenia, Hetoum I and Zabel, AD 1226-1270, AR Tram. Hetoum and Zabel stand facing, long cross between/Lion walks rt. with cross, Nercessian 336-337var. Centered, evenly struck and bold with very minor flatness in few letters, dark grey tone with silvery highlights, Very Fine+....$95 Photo
MC504B. Armenia, Hetoum I and Zabel, AD 1226-1270, AR Tram (2.9g). Hetoum and Zabel stand facing, long cross between/Lion walks rt. with cross, Nercessian 340ff. Centered, some flatness in center both sides, light grey tone, Very Fine....$95 Photo
MC506. Cilician Armenia, Hetoum I, AD 1226-1270, AE Tank. King enthroned facing/Cross potent. Slightly offcenter on large flan, tops of some letters off, dark brown patina, clear types, Very Fine....$110 Photo
MC501. Cilician Armenia, Levon II, AD 1270-1289, AR Double Tram (3.0g). King enthroned facing flanked by lions/Lion left with cross, Bedoukian-; Nercessian-. Centered, some flatness in a few spots, mostly in legends, clear types, light tone, a nice example of a SCARCE denomination, Very Fine....$495
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These have traditionally been attributed to Levon I, but there is no comparable coin from surrounding kingdoms for that time. This coin seems to fit much better numismatically in the late 13th Century, thus the attribution to Levon II. A SCARCE coin in any event.
MC511. Cilician Armenia, Hetoum II, AD1289-1305, AE Kardez. King enthroned facing/Cross, Nerc.400. Slightly offcenter on slightly irregular flan, some legends partially off each side, clear types, even brown patina, about Very Fine-Very Fine....$65 Photo
MC512. Cilician Armenia, Hetoum II, AD1289-1305, AE Kardez. King enthroned facing/Cross, Nerc.400. Flan slightly small, most legends complete, slightly rough brown patina, design slightly weak due to slightly thick patina, clear, Fine....$45 Photo
MC507. Cilician Armenia, Smpad, AD 1296-1298, AE Kardez (1.8g). King on horse rt./Cross with 4 lilies, Bedoukian 1697. Near centered, medium brown patina, worn but clear types, SCARCE, Fine....$75 Photo
MC508. Cilician Armenia, Smpad, AD 1296-1298, AE Kardez (1.2g). King on horse rt./Cross with 4 fleur-de-lis, Bedoukian 1714. Near centered, medium brown patina, worn but clear types, SCARCE, Fine....$85 Photo
MC513. Cilician Armenia, Levon III, AD 1301-1307, AE Kardez. King enthroned facing/Cross potent, Nerc. 434. Offcenter a bit both sides due to slightly small flan, dark brown patina with light earthen highlighting, clear types, scarcer ruler, Fine....$45 Photo
MC514. Cilician Armenia, Levon V Lusignan, AD 1374-1375, Billon Obole. King head facing/Cross, Bedoukian 2238. Centered on slightly ragged flan, light tone, clear types, RARE ruler and denomination, nice for these RARE issues, Very Fine....$395 Photo
Bulgaria
MC90. Bulgaria, Constantine Asen, AD1257-1277, AE19mm (1.27g). Constantine enthroned/Open cross, Dochev XXVII, 5. Centered, slightly clipped or small flan, weak as usual but types fairly clear, dark green and black patina (did not scan well), RARE, Fine....$60 Photo
MC92. Bulgaria, Ivan Alexander and Theodora, AD1331-1371, AE19mm (0.84g). Ivan and Theodora standing either side of cross/Monogram, Dochev XXXIV, 3. Near centered, dark brown patina, weak in areas but basically clear types, RARE, about Very Fine-Very fine for type....$95 Photo
MC93. Bulgaria, Ivan Alexander, AD1331-1375, with Michael, ca AD1331-1355, AR Grus. Nimbate figure of Christ standing facing/Ivan and Michael standing, Met. Pl. 8,11. Near centered, tops of crowns off rev., some weak spots as usual but overall fairly nice, clear types, Very Fine....$75 Photo
MC94. Bulgaria, Ivan Sratsimir, AD1360-1396, AR Grus (0.53g). Nimbate bust of Christ facing/King seated facing, nimbate, Dochev pl. 14,1. Near centered, very crude with weak spots, types fairly clear, RARE, about Very Fine....$110 Photo
MC95. Bulgaria, Ivan Sisman, 1371-1393, AR Grus. Line-dot depiction of bust of Christ/King stands facing. Centered, decent strike with little weakness, clear types, Very Fine....$45 Photo
Achaea
MC104. Crusader States, Achaea, William de Villehardouin, AD 1245-1278, AR Denier Tournois. Castle/Cross, CCS 10a. Centered, grey tone, clear types, Very Fine....$75 Photo
MC105. Crusader States, Achaea, Athens, William I de la Roche, 1280-1287, AR Denier Tournois. Castle, THEBES.../Cross, ATENES..., Schl. XIII, 2; Met. 269-272. Centered, dark tone with silvery highlights, nice example, Very Fine....$85 Photo
MC106A. Crusader States, Achaea, Athens, Guy II de la Roche, AD 1287-1308, AR Denier Tournois. Castle/Cross, Schl. XIII, 9; Met. 779-781. Centered, dark tone, nice example, Very Fine....$85 Photo
MC106B. Crusader States, Achaea, Athens, Guy II de la Roche, AD 1287-1308, AR Denier Tournois. Castle, star below/Cross, Schl. XIII, 10; CCS 95; Met. 779-781. Centered, dark tone with some silvery highlights, nice example, Very Fine....$85 Photo
MC107. Crusader States, Achaea, Charles II of Anjou, AD 1285-1289, AR Denier Tournois. Castle/Cross, Schl. XII, 17; CCS 12. Centered, light grey tone, nice example, Very Fine+....$95 Photo
MC110. Crusader States, Achaea, Clarenza, Isabelle de Villehardouin, 1297-1301, AR Denier Tournois. Castle/Cross. Centered on fairly regular flan, decent detail, dark tone, SCARCE, Very Fine....$125 Photo
Epirus
MC219. Crusader States, Epirus, Philip of Tarentum, 1294-1313, AR Denier Tournois. Castle/Cross, Schl. XIII, 20. Centered, clear types and legends, light tone, Very Fine....$75 Photo
MC226. Crusader States, Epirus, John II Orsini, 1323-1335, Denier Tournois. +IOhS DESPOTVS, Stylized castle/+DE ARTA CAPTRV, Cross. Near centered on irregular flan, dark tone, legends partially weak, types clear, SCARCE, Fine....$45 Photo
Antioch
MC108. Crusader States, Antioch, Tancred, AD1104-1112, AE Follis (3.68g). Facing bust of St. Peter/4 line inscription, Metcalf CCS 49ff. Obv. near centered, rev. slightly off and flan small as usual losing some letters, worn but clear and nicer looking than most of these things usually are, dark brown patina with very light dirt adhering, ex. Slocum collection, Fine....$110 Photo
MC173. Crusader States, Antioch, Tancred, AD1104-1112, AE Follis (3.07g), Type 1. St. Peter bust facing/4-line legend, Ex. Slocum Collection, Metcalf 49. Centered, dark brown and black patina with spots of light reddish encrustation rev., obv. clear, some spots of flatness and garbling from over striking rev. with some letters unclear, Fine+ - about Very Fine....$145 Photo
MC233. Crusader States, Antioch, Tancred, AD1104-1112, AE Follis, Type 2. Tancred bust facing, wearing turban and holding sword/IC-XC/NI-KA in quadrants of cross, overstruck on Type 1, Met. 63ff. Near centered with some weakness and garbling as usual, attractive olive green patina, both types fairly clear, about Very Fine....$195 Photo
MC238. Crusader States, Antioch, Tancred, AD1104-1112, AE Follis, Type 3. St. Peter bust facing/Letters in angles of cross, Metcalf 71ff. Obv. centered a bit low and rev. centered slightly high with nothing off, dark brown patina, 2 letters at top rev. weak, clear types, some garbling as usual from overstriking but very clear for these, SCARCE, Fine+/Fine....$175 Photo
MC239. Crusader States, Antioch, Roger of Salerno, AD1112-1119, AE Follis, Type 1. Christ stands facing/DNE/SAL/FT/RO in quarters of cross, Met.86-88. Obv. near centered, rev. centered to left crowding some letters, dark brown patina, crude as usual and overstruck with some garbling and flattening, types clear, Fine....$165 Photo
MC240. Crusader States, Antioch, Roger of Salerno, AD1112-1119, AE Follis, Type 2. Mother of God stands orans/4-line legend, Met.89ff. Obverse near centered, rev. centered to left losing some letters, dark brown patina, much nicer than usual, not overstruck, types clear, Very Fine....$295 Photo
MC237. Crusader States, Antioch, Roger of Salerno, AD1112-1119, AE Follis (6.02g). Virgin stands facing orans/Inscription, MPS 8; Met.89ff. Obv. centered, rev. centered a bit to left with weakness in some letters, dark brown patina, crude as usual, types clear, nice example, Fine+ - about Very Fine....$395 Photo
MC144. Crusader States, Antioch, Raymond of Poitiers, AD 1136-1149, AR Denier (1.12g). Head rt. in circle/Cross, CCS 16; Slocum 113. Centered, clear portrait and legends, light grey tone, RARE, about Very Fine....$595 Photo
MC147. Crusader States, Antioch, Bohemund III, 1163-1201, AR Helmet Denier, Class C(very narrow bust). Name around head left in chain mail, crescent before and star behind/City name around Cross, CCS 65ff; Metcalf 368ff. I have a small group as follows:
A. Near centered, decent strike with clear portrait, some legend a bit weak, dark tone, a nice example, Very Fine....$110
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B. Centered, clear strike, some weak spots in legends, a nice clear example, Very Fine....$95
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C. Near centered, decent strike with some weakness in obv. legend and portrait where cross design comes through, a decent example, Very Fine....$95
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D. Centered, some weakness in legends, light tone, a decent example, Very Fine.....$95
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E. Near centered, dark tone, overall somewhat weak from strike, clear types, about Very Fine.....$75
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F. Centered, light tone, overall somewhat weak from strike, clear types, about Very Fine....$65
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MC148. Crusader States, Antioch, Bohemund III, 1163-1201, AR Helmet Denier. Name around head left in chain mail, crescent before and star behind/City name around Cross, CCS 65ff; Metcalf 368ff. I have a small group as follows:
A. Near centered, decent strike with clear portrait, some legend a bit weak, spot of thin encrustation top obverse, a nice example, Very Fine....$125
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B. Centered, clear strike, couple of weak spots in legends, a nice example, Very Fine....$135
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C. Centered, nice strike with some weakness in legend and small spot on portrait, a nice example, Very Fine....$135
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D. Centered, dark tone, minimal weakness, a nice example, Very Fine.....SOLD
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E. Near centered, dark tone, weak spot at front of bust, clear types, about Very Fine.....$135
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F. Centered, medium grey tone and light encrustation in few spots at top obverse, clear types, Very Fine....$125
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MC149. Crusader States, Antioch, Bohemund III, 1163-1201, AR Helmet Denier (0.8g). Name around head left in chain mail, crescent before and star and dot behind/City name around Cross, CCS 66c. Centered, medium grey tone, nice strike with minimal weakness, RARE type, nice example, Very Fine....SOLD Photo
MC150. Crusader States, Antioch, Bohemund IV, 1201-1233, AE Pougeoise (0.6g). Lis/Cross, struck ca 1210-1216 or later, CCS 91(R). Near centered on small flan, brown patina, Very Fine....$125 Photo
Jerusalem
MC166. Crusader States, Kingdom of Jerusalem, Baldwin III, AD1143-1163, AR Denier (0.7g). BALDVINVS REX around cross/+DEIERVSALEM, Tower of David, Schl. III, 24; Metcalf 93var. Nicely centered, clear types and legends, toned, RARE, Very Fine....$225 HOLD Photo
MC167. Crusader States, Kingdom of Jerusalem, Baldwin III, AD1143-1163, AR Obole (0.7g). BALDVINVS REX around cross/+DEIERVSALEM, Tower of David, Schl. III, 24; Metcalf 93var. Nicely centered, clear types and legends, toned, RARE, Very Fine....$275 Photo
MC168. Crusader States, Kingdom of Jerusalem, Baldwin III, AD1143-1163, AR Obole. BALDVINVS REX around cross/+DEIERVSALEM, Tower of David, Ex. Schonwalter Collection, Schl. III, 24; Metcalf 93var. Centered, clear types and legends, dark tone, RARE, Very Fine....$195 Photo
MC169. Crusader States, Kingdom of Jerusalem, Beirut, Raymond of Tripolis, Lord of Beirut, AD1184-1186, AE Denier. +DAVIT, Tower of David/TVRRIS, 8-rayed star, Ex. Schonwalter Collection, CCS 2; Schl. III, 26; Metcalf 206-207. Nicely centered, clear types and legends, brown patina with light earthen encrustation in legends, RARE, Very Fine....$275 Photo
MC172. Crusader States, Kingdom of Jerusalem, Damietta, Jean de Brienne, AD1210-1225, AR Denier (0.7g). King head crowned/Cross, Damietta, after 1219, struck in Acre(?), CCS 43; Schl. III, 31; Metcalf 203. Nicely centered, die clashing causing weakness on portrait, otherwise clear types and legends, light tone, RARE, Fine-Very Fine....$295 Photo
Kingdom of Cyprus
MC247. Crusader States, Cyprus, Guy de Lusignan, King of Jerusalem, AD 1186-1192, Lord of Cyprus, AD 1192-1194, AE Denier. +REX GVIDO D, King head facing/+EIERVSALEM, Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Ex. Schonwalter Collection, Met. pp 177-180; Schl. III, 25; CCS 32a. Near centered, dark brown patina, some weakness in legends, clear types, RARE, Fine-about Very Fine....$695 Photo
MC249. Crusader States, Cyprus, Hugh I, 1205-1218, AR Denier. hVGO REX around cross/CYPRI, Gateway, CCS 12. Near centered, some weakness in legends, grey tone, name and types clear, SCARCE, Fine....$95 Photo
MC250. Crusader States, Cyprus, Hugh IV, 1324-1359, AR Gros (4.51g). King enthroned, B with pellet above to left/Cross, small crosses in quadrants, ex. James Stewart Coll., Schl. VI, 24. Centered, grey tone, few spots of weakness, nice example, Very Fine....$145 Photo
MC253. Crusader States, Cyprus, Peter/Pierre I, 1359-1369, AR Demi-gros (1.1g). King enthroned facing/Cross and crosslets, Ex. Stewart Coll. (but no tag with it). Near centered on small flan, head partly off obv., much legend off, light grey toned, clear figure and cross, SCARCE, Fine....$125 Photo
MC265. Crusader States, Cyprus, Peter/Pierre II, 1369-1382, AR Gros (3.9g). King enthroned facing, shield with rampant lion to rt./Cross and crosslets, Famagusta mint, Die P; CLC 45:3-6var (rev. unrecorded). Near centered, some weakness in legends and lower obv./rt. rev., light tone, decent facial detail on king, Fine-Fine+....$295 Photo
MC257. Crusader States, Cyprus, Peter/Pierre II, 1369-1382, Billon Denier. Lion rampant/Cross, M.-; Schl.-; CCS 106. Near centered on irregular flan, legends weak, flan notch and crack at bottom, lion mostly clear, rev. better, not lovely but VERY RARE, Fine....$50 Photo
MC222. Crusader States, Cyprus, Janus/Jean II, AD 1398-1432 and 1432-1458, Billon Denier. Lion rampant/Cross, M.-; Schl.VII, 2; CCS 126. Centered, clear types, toned and very lightly porous, Very Fine+....$115 Photo
MC243. Crusader States, Cyprus, James II, AD 1460-1473, AE Sezin(Sixain). Lion rampant to left/Cross and crosslets, CCS 163ff. Offcentered to left somewhat each side, nice strike with clear types, brown patina, Very Fine....$95 Photo
Rhodes, Knights of the Order of St. John of Jerusalem
MC170. Crusader States, Rhodes, Knights of the Order of St. John of Jerusalem, Raymond Berenger, AD 1365-1374, AR Gigliato. Grand master kneels before cross/Cross fleury, CCS 22; Schl. X, 7. Nicely centered, few slightly weak spots but none of the common garbling from doublestriking, dark tone, nice clear example, about Very Fine....$495 Photo
MC171. Crusader States, Rhodes, Knights of the Order of St. John of Jerusalem, Robert de Juilly, AD 1374-1376, AR Gigliato. Grand master kneels before cross/Cross fleury, CCS 24; Schl. X, 8. Near centered, few slightly weak spots but none of the common garbling from doublestriking, light tone with one dark spot, nice clear example, SCARCE, Very Fine....$575 Photo
Normans in Sicily
MC190. Crusader States, Normans in Sicily, Roger I, AD 1072-1105, AE Trifollaro. Mounted knight left/Madonna and child. Near centered on somewhat irregular flan, dark brown patina, clear types and very nice for these, SCARCE, Very Fine....$195 Photo
MC141. Crusader States, Kingdom of Sicily, Roger II, Count, AD 1105-1154, AE Follis. Christ enthroned facing/Roger stands facing, Spahr 53. Near centered on somewhat irregular flan, very slightly rough dark brown patina, clear types and decent for these, SCARCE, Fine+....$195 Photo
MC180. Crusader States, Sicily, William II, AD 1166-1189, AE Follaro. Lion head facing/Kufic script, Spahr 118. Near centered, olive green patina, attractive example, Very Fine....$85 Photo
MC183. Crusader States, Sicily, William II, AD 1166-1189, AE Trifollaro. Lion head facing/Palm tree, Spahr 117. Near centered, dark brown patina slightly thick and rough on rev., clear lion head, decent example, Fine+/Fine....$75 Photo
Tripolis
MC116. Crusader States, Tripolis, Anonymous, attributed to Raymond II(?), ca 1145-1174, AE Star and Crescent Coppers. Shallow crescent surmounted by 8 point star, dots between rays/Cross with 3 annulets at end of each arm intersected by small linear cross with crescent and annulet on each arm, Metcalf 513ff. Near centered, crude and somewhat weak, types clear, Fine....SOLD Photo
MC114A. Crusader States, Tripolis, Anonymous, Bohemund I(IV), ca 1187-1233, AE Castle Copper, Type 2, ca 1187-1190. Castle gate/Cross, Metcalf 534. Near centered on oversized flan, brown patina with earthen highlighting, few slightly weak spots, about Very Fine....$85 Photo MC114B. Crusader States, Tripolis, Anonymous, Bohemund I(IV), ca 1187-1233, AE Castle Copper, Type 2, ca 1187-1190. Castle gate/Cross, Metcalf 534. Near centered on irregular flan, some legend partly off, brown patina, Very Fine....$95 Photo
MC111. Crusader States, Tripolis, Anonymous, ca 13th Century AD, AV Bezant, 62-63% gold standard (3.2g). Script each side, M. 487; Schl. V, 18. Centered, slight peripheral weakness but otherwise bold and well struck, SCARCE, Very Fine+....$850 Photo
MC118A. Crusader States, Tripolis, Bohemund VI, ca 1251-1275, AR Gros grand (3.8g). Cross/Star in octofoil, CCS 22; Schl. IV, 19. Centered, clear types, light tone, SCARCE, Very Fine....SOLD Photo MC118B. Crusader States, Tripolis, Bohemund VI, ca 1251-1275, AR Gros grand (3.8g). Cross/Star in octofoil, CCS 22; Schl. IV, 19. Centered, clear types, toned, SCARCE, Very Fine....$295 Photo
MC117. Crusader States, Tripolis, Bohemund VII, ca 1275-1287, AR Gros grand (3.7g). Cross in 12- foil/Castle with 3 towers in 12-foil, Metcalf 497; CCS 26; Schl. IV, 21. Centered, clear types, light tone, SCARCE, Very Fine....$295 Photo
Chios
MC608. Chios, Philip Maria Visconti, AD 1321-1436, AV Ducat (3.6g). Christ stands facing/Doge and St. Mark, in imitation of Venetian ducats, Schl. XIV, 14. Centered, evenly struck, nice for these, Very Fine+....$495 Photo
Miscellaneous Crusader Coins
MC244. German States, Aachen, Friedrich I Barbarossa, AD 1152-1190, AR Denier. King seated facing, star at rt. shoulder/City view, F. 4. Near centered, some striking weakness in spots, very light tone, SCARCE, Very Fine....SOLD PhotoFriedrich Barbarossa died en route to the Third Crusade when he drowned while crossing a river.
MC477A. England, Anglo-Saxon, Aethelred II, AD 978-1016, AR Penny, Crux type (1.7g). King bust left holding sceptre/Short cross, +BERHTNAD M'O PIN, S. 1148. Centered, nice clear types, Scandinavian 'peck marks', Very Fine....SOLD Photo MC477B. England, Anglo-Saxon, Aethelred II, AD 978-1016, AR Penny, Crux type (1.3g). King bust left/Long cross, +NANGOD M'O EAXE, Exeter mint, S. 1151. Centered, nice clear types, Scandinavian 'peck marks', Very Fine....$475 PhotoBoth of these coins exhibit small peckmarks. These were made in the course of circulation to test that they were not counterfeit. research has determined that these marks were made during circulation in Scandinavia, demonstrating that these coins circulated there as well as England.
MC465. England, William I, Conqueror, AD 1066-1087, AR Penny (1.37g). King bust facing/PAXS, LEFPOLD ON PINC, Winchester mint, S. 1257. Centered, slight weakness in spots but overall nicely struck with clear portrait, very light tone, Very Fine+....SOLD Photo
MC405. England, Henry I, 1100-1135, AR Penny (1.4g). Facing bust/Quadrilateral on cross fleury (Type XV), Canterbury mint, S. 1276. Obverse near centered, reverse somewhat off losing some legend, decent portrait (much nicer than usual), grey tone, fairly nice for these, SCARCE, Fine+ - about Very Fine....$525 Photo
MC406. England, Henry I, 1100-1135, AR Penny (1.44g). Facing bust with sceptre/Quadrilateral on cross fleury (Type XV), PULFPINE, Canterbury mint, S. 1276. Obverse near centered, reverse somewhat off losing some legend, decent portrait (much nicer than usual), fairly nice for these, SCARCE, Very Fine....$850 Photo
MC482. England, Henry II, AD 1154-1189, AR Penny (1.21g), Class A, ca 1158-1163. Facing bust holding cross/Cross with crosslets, 'Tealby' coinage, Bust E, Winchester mint, S. 1337. Centered, grey tone, weakness in spots, especially legends, clear types, Fine+....$350 Photo
MC483. England, John, AD 1199-1216, AR Penny (1.2g), Class Vb. King bust facing/Short cross, moneyer DAVI, York mint, ca 1205-1218, S. 1351. Near centered, some weakness in legends, clear portrait, grey tone, Fine+ - about Very Fine....SOLD Photo
MC484. England, John, AD 1199-1216, AR Penny (1.5g), Class Vc. King bust facing/Short cross, +WALTER ON LVNDE, London mint, ca 1205-1208, S. 1352. Near centered, some weakness in legends, nice clear portrait, light tone, Very Fine+....$475 Photo
MC431. England, Henry III, 1216-1272, AR Penny. Facing bust/Long cross, York mint, TOMAS ON EVER, from Colchester Hoard, Seaby 1363var. A little off center rev. losing tops of some letters, nice portrait, light tone, Very Fine....$150 Photo
MC495. England, Edward I (Longshanks), 1272-1307, AR Penny, Class 9b. Facing Bust/Long Cross, Chester mint, Seaby 1420. Centered on irregular flan, some weakness in legends, clear portrait, grey tone, SCARCE, Fine+ - about Very Fine....SOLD
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Edward I was called Longshanks because he was tall. He was also known as the Hammer of the Scots and was responsible for placing John Baliol on the throne of Scotland (for a coin of John Baliol see below under Scotland)to counter the Robert the Bruce faction. He also expelled the Jews from England in 1290. On a better note, he reformed the currency in 1278-79, introducing a system that lasted until the time of Henry VII. He was the first to introduce the Groat (4 pence) which was later made a regular issue by Edward III. Round halfpence and farthings were also introduced in 1280, abolishing the Anglo-Saxon and Norman practice of cutting the pence in half or quarters for these denominations (although it didn't actually stop that practice). He is also known as the English Justinian for his reform and compilation of the laws, many of which are the basis for our system of law to this day.
MC497. England, Edward I (Longshanks), 1272-1307, AR Penny, Class 9b. Facing Bust/Long Cross, Kingston-upon-Hull mint, Seaby 1426. Centered on slightly irregular flan, somewhat worn, clear portrait, dark tone in fields with silvery highlights, VERY RARE mint, Fine....SOLD Photo
MC498. England, Edward I (Longshanks), 1272-1307, AR Penny. Facing Bust/Long Cross, Class 9b, Kingston-upon-Hull mint, Ex. J.J. North, Seaby 1426. Centered on slightly irregular flan, some weakness in part of legend, nice clear portrait, grey tone, VERY RARE mint, Fine+ - about Very Fine....SOLD Photo
MC434. England, Edward I (Longshanks), 1272-1307, AR Penny. Facing Bust/Long Cross, Type 4, ca AD1300-1310, Berwick-on-Tweed mint, Seaby 1415. Obv. very slightly offcentered, slight weakness in spots, decent portrait and legends, grey tone, Very Fine....$135
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Berwick on Tweed was the mint established by Edward to mint coin for payment of his troops fighting the Scots during the time of Braveheart.
MC407. Edward III, 1327-1377, AR Groat (4.54g). Facing bust/Cross, legends, IM cross 1, Series D, London mint, ca 1352-1353, S.1566; North 1152. Centered, some weakness, light grey tone, clear portrait, decent example, Scarce, Edward III introduced this denomination into the regular coinage, Fine+....$175
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Edward III was very inspired by the stories of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table. He began the Order of the Garter in 1348 and originally intended for the Order to be made up of twenty four knights. However, during 1349/50 it consisted of himself as Sovereign and 25 Knights Companion, one of whom was the Prince of Wales , the black Prince . Most of these 'founder knights' were younger military men, skilled in battle and tournaments. The other founder knights had all served in the French campaigns of the time, including the battle of Crécy and three were foreigners who had previously sworn allegiance to the English king, making twenty six knights in all. It was intended by Edward III to be the highest reward for loyalty and military merit.
It was also during this reign that Geoffrey Chaucer, famous as author of the Canterbury Tales, began his public career. In 1359–60 he was with the army of Edward III in France, where he was captured by the French but ransomed. He married Philippa Roet, who was probably the sister of John of Gaunt's third wife; she was a lady-in-waiting to Edward III's queen. During the years 1370 to 1378, Chaucer was frequently employed on diplomatic missions to the Continent, visiting Italy in 1372–73 and in 1378. From 1374 on he held a number of official positions, among them comptroller of customs on furs, skins, and hides for the port of London (1374–86) and clerk of the king's works (1389–91). It was during this later time, mostly after 1387, that he wrote the Canterbury Tales for which he is most famous. The official date of Chaucer's death is Oct. 25, 1400. He was buried in Westminster Abbey.
MC412. Edward III, 1327-1377, AR Halfpenny, Florin coinage. +EDWARDVS REX, Facing bust/CIV TAS LON DON, cross, Seaby 1557. Centered, grey tone, slight weakness lower part of portrait, decent example of scarcer denomination, Fine+ - about Very Fine....$90 Photo
MC440C. England, Richard II, AD 1377-1399, AR Half Penny (0.6g). King bust facing, intermediate style/Cross, London mint, S.1699. Centered, some weakness in a few letters, name clear, nice clear portrait, dark grey tone, SCARCE, about Very Fine....$275 Photo
MC438. England, Henry V, AD 1413-1422, AR Groat. King bust facing/Cross, S.1765. Nicely centered, toned, well struck with nice portrait and clear rev., SCARCE, Very Fine....$950
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Henry V was the king who won back the French territories and was so eloquently written about by Shakespeare.
MC435. England, Edward IV, AD 1461-1483, AR Groat. King bust facing/Cross, S.2004. Nicely centered, toned, decent portrait and clear reverse, about Very Fine....$250 Photo
MC432. England, Henry VIII, AD 1509-1547, AR Groat (2.3g), 2nd coinage, 1526-44. Young bust rt./Cross and shield of arms, IM: Lis, S. 2337E. Centered, grey tone, nice portrait, about Very Fine....$475 Photo
MC433. England, Henry VIII, AD 1509-1547, AR Halfgroat, 2nd coinage, 1526-44. Young bust rt./Cross and shield of arms, Archbishop Warham (-1532), Canterbury mint, S. 2343. Centered, grey tone, nice portrait, about Very Fine....SOLD Photo
MC436. England, Edward VI, AD 1547-1553, AR Shilling, Fine Silver issue, 1551-53. Young bust facing, XII to rt./Cross and shield of arms, IM: Y(1551), London mint, S. 2482. Centered, grey tone, 2 very small flan flaws at edge, some old light scratches reverse, nice portrait, Fine+....$375 Photo
MC419. England, James I, AD 1603-1625, AR Shilling, 2nd coinage. King bust rt., XII behind/Shield, cross, Escallop(1606-1607), London mint, Seaby 2655. Centered, light grey tone, clear types and legends, SCARCE, Fine+ - about Very Fine....$275 PhotoJames I was the king who authorized the version of the Bible that still bears his name - the King James Version of the Bible. His reign also saw the establishment of the first successful English colony in North America at Jamestown, Virginia in 1607. This coin was struck at about the same time as Jamestown Settlement was being founded.
MC420. England, James I, AD 1603-1625, AR Half Groat (1.0g). Crowned rose/Crowned thistle, TVEATVR both sides, IM:+/+ over book, Seaby 2660A. Centered, dark grey tone, clear types and legends, SCARCE, Fine....SOLD
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James I was the king who authorized the version of the Bible that still bears his name - the King James Version of the Bible. His reign also saw the establishment of the first successful English colony in North America at Jamestown, Virginia in 1607. This coin was struck at about the same time as Jamestown Settlement was being founded.
MC428. England, James I, AD 1603-1625, AR Penny, 3rd coinage, 1619-1625. Thistle/Rose, Seaby 2672. Centered, light tone, clear types and legends, SCARCE, about Very Fine-Very Fine....SOLD Photo
MC463. England, Charles I, AD 1625-1649, AR Half Crown (15.2g). King on horse left/Shield of arms, IM: Sun (1645-46), Tower mint under Parliament, S. 2842(old cat.)/2780(new cat.). Centered on usual irregular flan, some weak spots as usual, light tone, decent clear example, about Very Fine-Very Fine....$450 Photo
MC455B. England, Charles I, AD 1625-1649, AR Shilling. King bust left/Shield and cross, mintmark triangle, 1639-1640, Seaby 2793. Centered, clear portrait, grey tone, Fine+ - about Very Fine....$125 Photo
MC456. England, Charles I, AD 1625-1649, AR Halfgroat, Group E. King bust left/Shield of arms, mintmark anchor, S. 2834. Centered on slightly oval flan, clear portrait, grey tone, Fine....$75 Photo
English Tokens
MC478. England, Edward II, 1307-1327, AE Jeton. Bust as in Class XIII penny/Cross, holed as per official issue. Nicely centered and struck, some peripheral weakness in dotted borders, Very Fine....$90 Photo
MC489. Anglo-Gallic France, Aquitaine, Eleanor, died ca AD 1206, AR Denier (0.8g). Cross/+DVCISIT around circle with 2 crosses within, Elias 11. Centered, grey tone, clear types, SCARCE, Fine+ - about Very Fine....$325 Photo
MC492A. Anglo-Gallic France, Aquitaine, Richard I, the Lion-hearted, AD 1189-1199, Duke, AD 1172-1185, AR Denier. + RICA RDVS W in 4 lines/Cross, Bordeaux mint; Civrac Hoard, Elias 4. Reverse slightly offcenter, light tone, Very Fine....SOLD Photo
MC492B. Anglo-Gallic France, Aquitaine, Richard I, the Lion-hearted, AD 1189-1199, Duke, AD 1172-1185, AR Denier. PIC TAVIE NSIS IN 3 LINES/+RICARDVS around Cross, Poitou mint; Civrac Hoard, Elias 8. Centered, light tone, Very Fine....$195 Photo
MC490. Anglo-Gallic France, Aquitaine, Richard II, 1377-1399, AR Hardi d'Argent. Richard bust facing with sword/Long cross and legends, lis and lions in quadrants, Elias 228. Centered, bold clear portrait and clear legends, light grey tone, Very Fine+....$275 Photo
MC493. Anglo-Gallic France, Henry V, AD1413-1422, AR Grand Blanc aux ecus. Cross, lion to rt., lis to left, name below/2 shields, name above, St. Lo mint, Elias 288. Centered, light grey tone, some weakness in spots, but overall clear, Fine+ - about Very Fine....$175 PhotoThis is one of the last coins minted in France by an English king. Henry VI lost all the French territories won by Henry V; they were never regained by the English.
MC256. Scotland, William the Lion, AD 1165-1214, AR Penny (1.4g), Phase B, ca 1205-1230. King bust left/Short cross, stars, Ex. N. Brodie Collection, S. 5029. Centered, some of usual weakness but overall clear and decent for these, grey tone, RARE, about Very Fine....$625 Photo
MC256A. Scotland, William the Lion, AD 1165-1214, AR Cut Halfpenny, Phase B, Hue Walter, ca 1205-1230. King bust left/Short cross, stars, S. 5029. The remaining design is mostly clear, decent for these, grey tone, RARE, Fine-Fine+....SOLD Photo This is how people made change in ancient and medieval times. These are relatively scarce, though not widely collected, as most cut like this were likely melted and reminted in later times.
MC119A. Scotland, Alexander III, 1249-1286, AR Penny (1.3g), 2nd coinage, AD1280-. Bust left holding cross/Cross, star in each quadrant (24 points), Seaby 5054. Centered on slightly irregular flan, some slight weakness as usual due to strike but overall clear, grey tone, Very Fine....$225
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The popularity of the movie Braveheart, medieval re-enactments and the history of the period and a resurgence in Scottish history have made these popular pieces. The issues of the principals from Braveheart are all rare and expensive. This coin was circulating at the time the story took place and represents an affordable link to that time.
MC251. Scotland, John Baliol, AD 1292-1296, AR Penny, 2nd coinage. King bust left/Long cross, stars with 20 points, Edinburgh mint, Seaby 5071. Centered, clear portrait, medium grey tone, SCARCE, Fine+....$625 PhotoA coin directly from the time of William Wallace (Braveheart).
MC252. Scotland, John Baliol, AD 1292-1296, AR Halfpenny, 2nd coinage. King bust left/Long cross, 2 stars, Edinburgh mint, Seaby 5074. Centered, clear portrait, medium grey tone, RARE, Fine....$475 PhotoA coin directly from the time of William Wallace (Braveheart).
MC248. Scotland, David II, AD 1329-1371, AR Groat, 3rd coinage, 1357-1371. King bust left/Long cross, stars with trefoils, Edinburgh mint, Seaby 5125. Centered, nice clear portrait, toned, about Very Fine....$395 Photo
MC254. Scotland, James V, AD 1513-1542, Billon Plack, 1st coinage, 1513-1526. Crowned shield with lion rampant/Open cross, star in center, Edinburgh mint, Ex. Dundee(#110), Ex. Linlithgow Hoard, Seaby 5381. Centered on slightly irregular flan, dark tone, clear types, about Very Fine-Very Fine....$195 Photo
MC255. Scotland, Mary, AD 1542-1567, AR Bawbee (1.6g). Crowned thistle, M-R/Voided cross, Edinburgh mint, S. 5433. Centered, spots of toning, clear types, Fine+ - about Very Fine....$195 Photo
MC330. Ireland, John, as King, AD 1199-1216, AR Penny (1.4g). King bust facing in triangle/ROBERD ON DIVE, star in crescent, 3 pellets within triangle, 3rd coinage, ca 1207-1211, S. 6228. Centered, light tone, nice portrait and reverse, Very Fine+....$425
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MC336. Denmark, Sven Estridsen, AD 1047-1074, AR Penny (1.0g). Christ enthroned/Long cross, Lund mint, Hbs.6. Centered, flan slightly wrinkly as usual, bold and clear types, toned, SCARCE, Very Fine/about Very Fine....$525 Photo
MC124. France, Carolingian, Charles the Bald, AD 840-877, AR Denier. Karolus monogram/Cross, legend, Saint Quentin mint, MEC899var. Slightly offcentered both sides, flattening in legends, central types clear and bold, dark tone, Very Fine....SOLD Photo
MC307. France, Maine, Successors of Herbert I, AR Denier Mansois (1.19g). Monogram/Cross, Roberts 4123. Centered, light tone, slight weakness but clear types and legends, about Very Fine....$75 Photo
MC313. France, Normandy, Richard I, AD 943-996, AR Denier. Church, X within, dot in pediment/Cross, Rouen mint, D.16. Centered, well struck and clear, nice for these, SCARCE, Very Fine....$325 SOLD PhotoThis is the third king of Viking Normandy and the first collectible coin in the series. The first king struck no coins and Richard's predecessor struck a small number of expensive but rather miserable looking issues.
MC127. France, Feudal, Melgueil, 12th-13th Centuries AD, AR Denier (1.01g). 2 mitres either side of bar/4 annulets, Roberts 4336; B.753. Near centered on slightly small flan, light tone, nicely struck with clear types and legends, Very Fine....$75 SOLD Photo
MC301A. France, Feudal, Valence, ca 1157-1276, AR Denier (0.79g). Cross, legends/Small eagle facing, legends, Roberts 4782, Ex.: Slocum Collection. Near centered, a few weak spots as usual, toned, eagle clear, Very Fine....SOLD
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MC301B. France, Feudal, Valence, ca 1157-1276, AR Denier (1.2g). Cross with globular ends, annulet in one quadrant, legends/Small eagle facing, legends, Roberts 4781, found in Holy Land, Ex.:Slocum Collection. Centered, a few weak spots as usual, dark tone, clear types, Very Fine.... SOLD
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MC301C. France, Feudal, Valence, ca 1157-1276, AR Denier (0.71g). Cross with globular ends, annulet in one quadrant, legends/Small eagle facing, legends, Roberts 4782. Near centered, few weak spots as usual, light tone, eagle clear, Very Fine....$85
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(These are often found in pilgrim and crusader hoards. They are sometimes called 'angel' deniers as the figure takes on a more human form on early issues, but by the time of later issues such as this one it looks more like a bird.)
MC212. France, Feudal, Toulouse, Raymond V-VII, AD 1148-1249, AR Denier. RHNON COMES, Cross/+TOLOSA CIVI PHX(=PAX), Roberts 4226. Near centered, light tone, some slight weakness in spots but overall well struck, Very Fine....$75Photo
MC212A. France, Feudal, Toulouse, Raymond V-VII, AD 1148-1249, AR Obol. RHNON COMES, Cross/+TOLOSA CIVI PHX(=PAX), Roberts4227var. Centered, light tone, some slight weakness in spots but overall well struck, Very Fine....$75Photo
MC302. France, Philip I, 1060-1108, AR Denier (1.2g). Portal/Cross, Roberts 2373. Centered, few spots weak in legends, clear and decent example from the early French monarchy, Fine - Very Fine....SOLD Photo
MC245. German States, Aachen, Ludwig I der Bayer, 1314-1347, AR Esterlin. King bust facing/Long cross, legends, 3 pellets in each of 3 quadrants and an eagle in the other quadrant, imitating English pennies of that time, with REX in obv. legend (thus before 1328), doubled strike obv. but details clear, rev. very nice and bold, attractive toning, nice example, Very Fine....$165 Photo
MC161. German States, Bamberg, Heinrich I von Schmeidefeld, 1242-1258, AR Halbling (brakteat). Stylized flower in circle. Near centered, bold and clear, light tone, Very Fine....SOLDPhoto
MC156. German States, Kempten, City Coinage, 1625, AR Kreuzer. Double-headed eagle/Eagle in shield, KM72. Centered, toned, RARE, Fine....$75 Photo
MC154. German States, Nurnberg, ca 1400, AR Pfennig. Eagle/Shield. Centered, weak but clear, light grey tone, SCARCE, Fine....$85 Photo
MC129. German States, Olesnica, Ols, Anonymous, ca 1430, AR Heller. Eagle walking/Eagle on shield, Saurma-116/44. Centered, clear and bold with little weakness, toned, SCARCE, Very Fine....$75 Photo
MC339. German States, Regensburg, Bishopric, Siegfried, 1227-1246, AR Pfennig. Griffin rt., stars around edge/Virgin, stars, Peus 319, #504; Metcalf 18(Coinage of S. Germany in 13th Century). Near centered, some weakness obverse, die clashing with some loss of design reverse, light tone, Very Fine/about Very Fine....$75 Photo
MC157. German States, Schaumburg, Ernst in Pinneburg, 1601-1622, AR Groschen, dated 1617, Saurma 1702. Centered, bold and clear with only slight weakness in a few spots, Very Fine....$45 Photo
MC341. German States, Stendal, 15th Century AD, AR Hohlpfennig (0.26g). City arms (half-eagle and diamonds)/Incuse, Saurma4825. Near centered, bold and clear, grey tone, Very Fine....$95 Photo
MC130. German States, Stolberg-Ortenberg, 1615, AR 3 Kreuzer. Double-headed eagle/Arms on shield, Saurma-2379/1163. Centered, some weakness in centers, Fine-Very Fine....$45 HOLD Photo
MC235A. German States, Swabia, Halle, ca 14th Century, AR Heller. Hand/Cross, Saurma 1364/607. Centered, appears to be overstruck with a small pierce to the side of the design and near the edge, apparently due to the overstriking, bold clear hand, some garbling on rev. but mostly clear, unusual, Very Fine....$60 Photo
MC132. Hungary, Bela III, AD1172-1196, AE. Script/Script, R-P VI,102. Near centered, bold and clear, I have 5 nice examples right now as follows, each grading Very Fine-Very Fine+ and priced at $50 each:
MC132B.Photo
MC132C.SOLDPhoto
MC132D.Photo
MC133. Hungary, 12th Century (ca 1180), AR Denar. Large cross with smaller crosses in quadrants/Concentric circles with crosses inside. Centered, bold, light grey tone, Very Fine....$35 Photo
MC134. Hungary, Bela IV, 1235-1270, AR Denar. King's bust facing/Eagle, Huz.313. Centered, face mostly clear, weak spots especially in legends, this the popular issue with the Jewish mintmaster's mark in the obverse legend (slightly weak but clear), decent example, toned, SCARCE, Fine+....$50 Photo
MC151. Hungary, Bela IV, 1235-1270, AR Denar. King's head on winged lion left/Head above cross, H.336. Centered, clear with only minor weakness, nice example, Fine+....$55 Photo
MC193. Hungary, Karl Robert, AD 1308-1342, AR Denar. Facing bust of enthroned king/Shield of arms, Rethy-Probst XXIII,18. Near centered, KAROL clear obv., rest of legend partly weak, clear portrait, most of rest is somewhat garbled or weak due to double striking, Fine+/Fine....SOLD Photo
MC162. Hungary, Ludwig I, Szerecan, 1342-1382, AR Denarius Saracensis. Saracen head left/Patriarchal cross, Rethy-Probszt XXVI,89A. Near centered, bold and clear, Very Fine....$35 Photo
MC198A. Hungary, Ferdinand I (Hapsburg), AD 1526-1564, AR Denar. Shield of arms/Madonna and child, dated 1544. Centered, nicely struck and clear, light tone, Very Fine+....SOLD Photo
MC137. Italy, Pavia, Otto I of Saxony. AD 961-973, AR Denaro. O T O in 3 lines/PAVIA, B.1823. Centered, grey tone with silvery highlights, weak spots as usual but overall clear, Fine+....SOLD Photo
MC317. Italy, Genoa, ca AD 1139-1339, AR Denaro. IANVA, Castle gate/CVNRADI REX, Cross. Centered, light grey tone, clear types, also considered a Crusader coin by many, about Very Fine-Very Fine....SOLD Photo
MC141A. Italy, Venice, Francesco Dandolo, AD 1328-1339, AR Soldino. Doge with gonfalon/Lion of St. Mark, nimbate, Thomsen 1862. Centered on slightly irregular flan, some legend off due to flan shape, types and most legend clear, light tone, Very Fine....$55 HOLD
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MC141C. Italy, Venice, Francesco Dandolo, AD 1328-1339, AR Soldino. Doge with gonfalon/Lion of St. Mark, nimbate, Thomsen 1862. Centered, some slight weakness in spots, types and most legend clear, grey tone, Fine+....$55
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MC138. Italy, Venice, Andrea Gritti, AD 1523-1538, AR Mocenigo o Lira. Christ stands facing on platform inscribed PL/Doge kneels left before St. Mark standing rt. Centered, some weakness in legends but overall nicely struck with clear types and a nice clear figure of Christ, Fine+ - about Very Fine....$225 Photo
MC140. Italy, Venice, Andrea Gritti, AD 1523-1538, AR Marcello o Mezzo Lira. Christ enthroned facing/Doge kneels left before St. Mark standing rt. Centered, some weakness in spots but overall clear with a nice clear figure of Christ, Fine+ - about Very Fine....$165 Photo
MC142. Italy, Venice, Pietro Lando, AD 1539-1545, AR Mocenigo o Lira. Christ stands facing on platform inscribed FZ/Doge kneels left before St. Mark standing rt., P. pg.60, 5(R1). Centered, some weakness in spots but overall clear with a nice clear figure of Christ, about Very Fine....$275 Photo
MC201. Italy, Savoy, Emanuele Filiberto - "Iron Head", AD 1553-1580, Billon Quarto. Crowned E F/Cross. Near centered on slightly irregular flan, grey-brown tone, Fine....SOLD Photo
Lithuania
MC195. Lithuania, Alexander I, AD 1490-1506, AR Half Groschen. Teutonic knight on horseback left/Eagle. Three examples offered here, all with some weakness as struck and somewhat worn but types and name mostly clear. Each is $35:
A. SOLDPhoto
B. SOLDPhoto
MC319. Spain, Alphonso VIII, AD 1158-1214, AR Denaro. King bust left/Castle, 2 stars and cross above. Near centered, crude as always but types are clear, grey tone, Alphonso was one of the victors at the battle of Las Naves de Tolosa, about Very Fine....$110
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This and the following issues date to a time when the Spanish were attempting to drive the Moors from Spanish soil. For a coin of the Moors from this time see the Islamic page.
MC310. Spain, Castile y Leon, Sancho IV, 1284-1295, AR Denaro. Bust left/City/Castle walls, Heiss pl. 5, 4. Centered, strong portrait and city walls, toned, a very nice example for these often crude issues, Very Fine+....$125 Photo
MC314. Spain, Castile y Leon, Alphonso XI, 1312-1350, AR Cornado. Bust left/City walls, Leon mint, AB 388.1. Near centered, strong portrait and city walls, some weakness in legends, light tone, a nice example for these often crude issues, Very Fine....$125 Photo
MC308. Spain, Enricus III, 1390-1406, AR Real. Castle walls/Lion rampant left, H. pl. 10, 26. Near centered, some weakness in spots but overall decent strike and clear, dark tone, a nice example for these often crude issues, about Very Fine....$75 Photo
MC347. Mexico, Carlos and Johanna, 1536-1556, AR 1 Real. Crowned pillars/Shield of arms. Near centered, light tone, some weakness in spots as usual but overall a good strike and fairly nice for these, SCARCE, Fine-Very Fine....SOLD Photo
Cob Coinage
MC349. Spanish America, Charles II, Bolivia, Potosi mint, dated 1688, AR 4 Reales. Pillars, date (88), denomination/Cross with lions and castles in quarters. Somewhat offcenter each side, denomination weak but discernable, date strong, toned, Fine-about Very Fine....$295 Photo
MC351. Spanish America, Charles II, Bolivia, Potosi mint, dated 1676, AR 2 Reales. Pillars, date (76), denomination/Cross with lions and castles in quarters, Cayon 6874. Centered on usual misshapen flan, denomination and date strong, toned, Very Fine....$225 Photo
MC352. Spanish America, Philip V, Bolivia, Potosi mint, dated 1706L, AR 2 Reales. Pillars, date (06), denomination/Cross with lions and castles in quarters. Centered on oblong flan, denomination and date strong, rev. weak and unclear, light tone, Very Fine/Very Good....$125 Photo
MC353. Spanish America, Ferdinand VI, Mexico, dated 1748Q, AR 2 Reales. Pillars, date (748), denomination/Cross with lions and castles in quarters. Near centered on small thick flan, denomination and date strong, toned, Very Fine....$195 Photo
MC225. Russia, Mikhail Fiodorovich, AD1613-1645, AR Kopek. Horseman rt./Cyrillic legend.
A. Near centered, bottom of horseman partly off, some legend off rev. (these almost never have a full legend), about Very Fine/Fine....$30Photo
D. Near centered obv., top of horseman's head partly off, rev. centered with most legend present and fairly clear (these almost never have a full legend), nice detail on most of horseman, about Very Fine/Fine....SOLD
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Mikhail was the first Romanov in a dynasty that lasted until the assasination of the czar and his entire family in 1917.
Wire kopeks were actually struck on a piece of silver wire (hence the name) and generally come oblong and rough at each end. In addition, the dies were bigger than the coin blank (wire) and none show a full image of the entire die, with orientation determining to a large extent just how much of the image is shown. These are interesting little coins and were struck this way into the early 18th Century until discontinued by Peter the Great as he reformed and modernized Russia trying to bring it in line tecnologically with the rest of Europe.
MC246. Russia, Peter the Great, 1689-1725, AR wire Kopek. Csar on horse/Cyrillic legend. Somewhat offcenter as always, well struck and decent for these, as usual you would have to have several to get the whole legend and picture, but these were picked from a large group to get the best possible centering, etc. The scan is of a representative group, Fine -Very Fine, most on the nicer end.....SOLD
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Russia lagged behind much of early modern Europe for centuries. Peter the Great attempted to bring his country up to the level of the rest of Europe, with somewhat limited success. One area in which he made headway was that of the coinage. They had struck these crude little silver coins from pieces of wire cut to weight for centuries. These crude little coins (approx. 6mm by 9mm) represent the last of the old issues. They show a horseman with lance on the obv. and a Cyryllic legend (usually partial) on the reverse.
Dracula is a name known to all from the movies and books concerning the legend made famous by Bram Stoker's tale. But Dracula was not a tale created out of thin air; he was a real prince - Vlad Tepes of the House of Basarab, ruler of Wallachia in Romania from 1456-1462. The name Dracula, meaning little dragon, was inherited from his famous father, Vlad Dracul (1436-1446), who allied himself with Sigismund of Hungary against the Turks and is often confused with Dracula himself. In gratitude Sigismund made him a knight of the Dragon Order, founded to fight for both Christianity and Sigismund. His son(Dracula) swore his life to bloody combat against the Moslem Turkish invaders of his Chrisitan homeland. Refusing to submit to his enemies, he executed 20,000 of them (both domestic and Turkish) in his short span of six years. When Turkish emissaries of the Sultan refused to remove their headgear (some say helmets, some say turbans), Dracula returned their heads to the Sultan with the headgear nailed in place. His brutality gave him the name 'the Impailer' during his lifetime and his lust for vengeance was well known in Europe in the 1400's. The stories persisted for hundreds of years, finally culminating in the transformation wrought by Bram Stoker of the vampire Count Dracula. I have often been asked to obtain a coin of the famous Dracula. He issued no coins as far as we know, nor did his father, but these crude little silver coins made by his grandfather, Mircea, were the common circulating medium in his realm during the life of Dracula, and are the only extant numismatic link to Dracula. These coins have long been considered rare and are missing even in most specialized collections of Eastern European coinage.
MC204. Romania, Wallachia, Mircea the Old (Grandfather of 'Dracula'), 1386-1418, AR Denar. Shield/Eagle left on helmet - a small group of nicer than usual examples (these are often very crude issues), listed individually below: MC204A.slight weakness, clear types, about Very Fine....$185 Photo MC204B.slight weakness in spots, some spots of light encrustation, clear types, about Very Fine....$175 Photo MC204C.slightly offcenter reverse, small spots of light encrustation, clear types, about Very Fine....$175 Photo MC204D.somewhat weak upper right each side, grey tone, mostly clear types, Fine+ - about Very Fine....$150 Photo MC204E.slight weakness obverse, nice reverse, about Very Fine/Very Fine....SOLD Photo The Order Form should be fixed now. Give it a try. If you encounter any problems please email your order or inquiry to me at gclark32@cox.net