CRUSADERS, Latin Kingdom of Jerusalem. Imitation Bezants. 11th-12th centuries. AV Bezant (21mm, 3.91 g, 6h). Imitating a dinar of the Fatimid caliph al-Amir. Uncertain (Tyre?) mint. Second phase, struck 1148/59-1187. Beginning of caliphal titles in two lines, continuation of name and titles in inner margin; mint formula in outer margin / al/ghaya in two lines across field with two pellets below, Kalima in inner margin, "Second Symbol" (Quran 9: 33) in outer margin. Balog & Yvon 23; Metcalf, Crusades –; CCS 10. Lightly toned, minor deposits, areas of weak strike. VF.
From the Kenneth S. Abramowitz Collection.