Classical Numismatic Group, LLC
Auction 123 23-24 May 2023
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CRUSADERS, Antioch. Levon I of Armenia. 1198-1219. BI Denier (19mm, 0.82 g, 6h). Sis mint, but struck for use in Antioch. + LЄO DЄI GRTIA (sic), cross pattée / + RЄX ARMЄИIOR, crowned facing head; crown with pendilia. AC 281 var. (obv. legend); CCA 9 var. (same); MAC 33 var. (same); CCS 133a var. (same); CNG 115, lot 823 (same rev. die); CNG 85, lot 100. Lightly toned, deposits, light porosity, areas of weak strike, tiny edge chip. Good VF. Extremely rare.
When Levon was granted the title of king of Armenia, he took the assumption that this entitled him to the crusader principality of Antioch as well. Despite two assaults on the city in 1203 and 1208, Levon was never able to capture it and enforce his claim against Bohémond IV. These rare western-style deniers were most likely struck at Sis for circulation in the Antiochene territory that Levon did hold.
When Levon was granted the title of king of Armenia, he took the assumption that this entitled him to the crusader principality of Antioch as well. Despite two assaults on the city in 1203 and 1208, Levon was never able to capture it and enforce his claim against Bohémond IV. These rare western-style deniers were most likely struck at Sis for circulation in the Antiochene territory that Levon did hold.