Watch List notes:

CRUSADERS. Latin Kingdom of Jerusalem. John of Brienne, 1210-1225. Denier (Silver, 16 mm, 0.56 g), uncertain mint in Egypt, probably Damietta, 1218-1221. +DAMIATA Head facing front with curled hair, wearing crown with three pellets. Rev. +IOhES REX Cross pattée with pellet in second and third angles. Malloy 45. Metcalf 203. Wäckerlin 28. Very rare. Struck on an irregular flan and with light scratches, otherwise, good fine.


This very rare issue was struck during the disastrous Fifth Crusade, which was an unsuccessful attempt by the Crusaders to stabilize their holdings in the Levante by conquering Egypt, the heartland of the Ayyubids.