© Roma Numismatics Limited
© Roma Numismatics Limited
Bezant "Saracen" - Anonymous Crusader imitation - 3rd type - Acre ND
| Gold (.666) | 2.84 g | 21 mm |
| Issuer | Kingdom of Jerusalem |
|---|---|
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 1250-1301 |
| Value | Gold Bezant (240) |
| Currency | Denier (1099-1291) |
| Composition | Gold (.666) |
| Weight | 2.84 g |
| Diameter | 21 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-04 |
| Numista | N#199168 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Large cross pattée. Arabic legends. In outer ring: We are glorified by the Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ the Messiah from Whom we receive out salvation and life. In inner ring: +: and resurrection, and through whom we are delivered and pardoned.
Comment
The Latin kings of Jerusalem struck imitative debased gold 'besanti sarracenati' modelled on the dinars of the Fatimid caliph al-Amir (1101-1130) from about 1148 until 1250, when they attracted the censure of the papal legate Eudes of Châteauroux, who came to Acre with Louis IX. He found it scandalous that Christians should be striking coins bearing 'the name of Mohamed and the number of years from his nativity'. The designs were promptly changed with a prominent cross and legends in Arabic proclaiming the Christian faith of the Holy Trinity with dates 'from the incarnation of the Messiah', from 1251 to 1258, however, the dates on the outer margins of the coins are usually illegible. (source: Roma Numismatic Auction XIX Catalog, 27 March 2020)G. LUNARDI 1985 - VOL II - RG2 (V 27)
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about the Bezant "Saracen" coin is that it was imitated by the Crusaders, specifically the third type issued in Acre, which speaks to the influence and power of the Kingdom of Jerusalem during that time.
