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Barnebys HQ
Brahegatan 10
BOX 5038
114 37 Stockholm
All auctions / Ancient Art / Medieval
A fascinating Crusader-era bronze coin transformed into a wearable historical amulet, associated with the coinage of Tancred, Prince of Galilee and Regent of Antioch, one of the most celebrated military figures of the First Crusade. The obverse is dominated by a striking stylized facing bust, with the head framed by a distinctive headdress or head covering. Despite the centuries of wear, the strongly modelled facial features remain immediately recognizable, giving the object an unusually personal and evocative character. Tancred was one of the leading Norman commanders of the First Crusade and later became an important ruler in the Crusader East. He served as regent of the Principality of Antioch in the early 12th century, and the bronze coinage associated with his rule is particularly distinctive for its bold, almost icon-like portraiture. The reverse preserves substantial elements of its original medieval design, including remnants of Greek-style lettering and geometric/architectural forms. The irregular flan, heavy relief and surviving inscriptions give the piece the unmistakable character of medieval Crusader bronze coinage. What makes this example especially attractive today is its transformation into a pendant. The original medieval object becomes once again something personal and wearable — connecting the owner directly with the turbulent world of the Crusader states, Antioch and the First Crusade. The surface has developed a beautiful mixture of deep brown, green and earthy bronze patination, with lighter exposed areas emphasizing the surviving portrait and reverse details. Culture/Period: Crusader States / Principality of Antioch Ruler: Associated with Tancred, Regent of Antioch Date: Early 12th century AD, attribution Object: Bronze coin / wearable historical amulet Material: Bronze Obverse: Stylized facing bust associated with Tancred Reverse: Surviving medieval inscription and symbolic/architectural design Condition: Strong age-related wear and patination with the principal designs still clearly recognizable. Please examine the photographs carefully. Presentation: Fitted with a modern suspension ring and silver chain for wearable presentation; these additions are modern and are not part of the ancient/medieval coin. A wonderfully atmospheric survivor from the age of the First Crusade — combining portraiture, medieval history and the character of an object that has endured for roughly nine centuries.
Estimate:$227.42
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Estimate:
$227.42
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