Medieval

"A silver coin once struck to proclaim a kingdom... later transformed into a personal talisman of faith, kingship, and the Crusader East." An exceptional silver coin amulet fashioned from an authentic coin of King Levon I (Leo the Magnificent), the first crowned King of the Armenian Kingdom of Cilicia and one of the most celebrated Christian rulers of the Crusader world. Levon I established Cilician Armenia as a powerful Christian kingdom allied with the Crusader states, maintaining close diplomatic and military ties with the Knights Templar, the Kingdom of Jerusalem, and the principalities of Antioch and Tripoli. His reign marked the political and cultural golden age of medieval Armenia, when East and West met along the Mediterranean frontier. The obverse depicts King Levon I enthroned, crowned and holding the symbols of royal authority, proclaiming his legitimacy as sovereign of the Armenian Kingdom. Around him runs the Armenian royal inscription identifying the monarch whose authority helped secure the Christian East during the era of the Crusades. The reverse presents the magnificent lion, the royal emblem of the Rubenid dynasty. Walking proudly beneath a tall cross, the lion embodies courage, sovereignty, divine protection, and Christian kingship. The accompanying Armenian inscription names Levon, King of the Armenians, making this one of the most iconic medieval coin designs of the Crusader period. At a later date, this historic silver coin was carefully converted into a wearable pendant, preserving both sides in full view. Such coin amulets were treasured not only as ornaments but also as symbols of faith, royal authority, and pilgrimage, allowing their owners to carry a tangible connection to one of the great Christian kingdoms of the medieval Levant. Beautifully toned with a soft silver-grey patina, the coin retains impressive detail on both the enthroned king and the heraldic lion, while the suspension loop has been sympathetically added for continued wear. Armenian Kingdom of Cilicia (Crusader Era), 1198–1219 AD Silver. Authentic medieval coin converted into a wearable pendant in antiquity or a later historical period. Attractive old silver toning with clear royal iconography and inscriptions. Very good historical condition with expected age-related wear.

Estimate:$280.92

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