| Savoca Numismatik GmbH & Co. KG > Online Auction 203 | Silver | Auction date: 24 March 2024 |
| Lot number: 640 Price realized: 320 EUR (Approx. 348 USD) Note: Prices do not include buyer's fees. | |
| Lot description: Crusaders. Tripoli (County). Bohemond VI AD 1251-1275. Groš AR 25 mm, 3,02 g ✠ BOEMVNDVS⁝COMES, cross within frame of alternate arcs and angles / ✠ CIVITAS⁝TRIPOLI, eight-pointed star within eight arcs. Attractively toned, Good Very Fine CCS 22; Metcalf, Crusades, 490; Wäckerlin 61. Bohemond IV of Antioch, also known as Bohemond the One-Eyed, was a prominent figure in the complex and tumultuous era of the Crusader states in the Levant during the 12th and 13th centuries. His reign was marked by continuous conflicts, both with the Muslim states surrounding his territories and with his Christian rivals within the Crusader states themselves. Amidst this backdrop of incessant warfare and political intrigue, the coinage minted during his rule served not only as a medium of economic transaction but also as a tool for political propaganda and a symbol of his sovereignty over the County of Tripoli. The gros, a silver coin from the reign of Bohemond VI, not IV, as mentioned, provides a fascinating glimpse into the numismatic practices of the period and the iconographic elements used by Crusader states to assert their Christian identity and authority in a predominantly Muslim region. The coin, weighing 4.41 grams with a diameter of 25 mm, is a testament to the sophisticated metallurgical and artistic capabilities of the time. The obverse of the coin proudly bears the inscription "✠ BOEMVNDVS⁝COMES," identifying Bohemond VI as the Count (Comes) and situating the coin squarely within the feudal and chivalric order that underpinned Crusader society. The central motif, a cross within a frame of alternate arcs and angles, is emblematic of the Crusaders' fervent Christian faith and their claim to the Holy Land, both as warriors of Christendom and as rulers by divine providence. The reverse features the inscription "✠ CIVITAS⁝TRIPOLI," signifying the coin's issuance from the city of Tripoli, the capital of the county and a crucial commercial and military hub in the Crusader East. The eight-pointed star within eight arcs is a motif rich in symbolism, potentially reflecting the Crusaders' adaptation and integration of local artistic traditions into their own cultural expressions. This blend of Western and Eastern elements on the coin mirrors the broader cultural syncretism that characterized the Crusader states. Catalogued by numismatists with references such as CCS 22, Metcalf's "Crusades" 490, and Wäckerlin 61, the gros of Bohemond VI is noted for its well-struck condition and beautifully toned appearance, classified as "About extremely fine." Such coins are valuable not only for their aesthetic and material worth but also for their historical significance, offering insights into the economic, political, and cultural dimensions of the Crusader states. The coinage of Bohemond VI, including the gros described above, thus serves as a tangible connection to a past where faith, war, and diplomacy were interwoven into the fabric of daily life in the Crusader states. These coins are more than just artifacts; they are relics of a bygone era that continue to fascinate historians, numismatists, and collectors alike, providing a window into the complexities and contradictions of Crusader rule in the Levant Starting price: 150 EUR |  |
Match 1:
| Savoca Numismatik GmbH & Co. KG > Online Auction 198 | Silver | Auction date: 25 February 2024 |
| Lot number: 324 Price realized: Unsold | |
| Lot description: Crusaders. Tripoli (County). Bohemond VI AD 1251-1275. Groš AR 25 mm, 2,96 g ✠ BOEMVNDVS⁝COMES, cross within frame of alternate arcs and angles / ✠ CIVITAS⁝TRIPOLI, eight-pointed star within eight arcs. Dark toning, Good Very Fine. CCS 22. Metcalf, Crusades, 490. Wäckerlin 61 Starting price: 150 EUR |  |
Match 2:
| Savoca Numismatik GmbH & Co. KG > Online Auction 198 | Silver | Auction date: 25 February 2024 |
| Lot number: 322 Price realized: 240 EUR (Approx. 259 USD) Note: Prices do not include buyer's fees. | |
| Lot description: Crusaders. Tripoli (County). Bohemond VI AD 1251-1275. Groš AR 24 mm, 3,24 g ✠ BOEMVNDVS⁝COMES, cross within frame of alternate arcs and angles / ✠ CIVITAS⁝TRIPOLI, eight-pointed star within eight arcs. Well stuck and beautifully toned, Good Very Fine. CCS 22; Metcalf, Crusades, 490; Wäckerlin 61. Bohemond IV of Antioch, also known as Bohemond the One-Eyed, was a prominent figure in the complex and tumultuous era of the Crusader states in the Levant during the 12th and 13th centuries. His reign was marked by continuous conflicts, both with the Muslim states surrounding his territories and with his Christian rivals within the Crusader states themselves. Amidst this backdrop of incessant warfare and political intrigue, the coinage minted during his rule served not only as a medium of economic transaction but also as a tool for political propaganda and a symbol of his sovereignty over the County of Tripoli. The gros, a silver coin from the reign of Bohemond VI, not IV, as mentioned, provides a fascinating glimpse into the numismatic practices of the period and the iconographic elements used by Crusader states to assert their Christian identity and authority in a predominantly Muslim region. The coin, weighing 4.41 grams with a diameter of 25 mm, is a testament to the sophisticated metallurgical and artistic capabilities of the time. The obverse of the coin proudly bears the inscription "✠ BOEMVNDVS⁝COMES," identifying Bohemond VI as the Count (Comes) and situating the coin squarely within the feudal and chivalric order that underpinned Crusader society. The central motif, a cross within a frame of alternate arcs and angles, is emblematic of the Crusaders' fervent Christian faith and their claim to the Holy Land, both as warriors of Christendom and as rulers by divine providence. The reverse features the inscription "✠ CIVITAS⁝TRIPOLI," signifying the coin's issuance from the city of Tripoli, the capital of the county and a crucial commercial and military hub in the Crusader East. The eight-pointed star within eight arcs is a motif rich in symbolism, potentially reflecting the Crusaders' adaptation and integration of local artistic traditions into their own cultural expressions. This blend of Western and Eastern elements on the coin mirrors the broader cultural syncretism that characterized the Crusader states. Catalogued by numismatists with references such as CCS 22, Metcalf's "Crusades" 490, and Wäckerlin 61, the gros of Bohemond VI is noted for its well-struck condition and beautifully toned appearance, classified as "About extremely fine." Such coins are valuable not only for their aesthetic and material worth but also for their historical significance, offering insights into the economic, political, and cultural dimensions of the Crusader states. The coinage of Bohemond VI, including the gros described above, thus serves as a tangible connection to a past where faith, war, and diplomacy were interwoven into the fabric of daily life in the Crusader states. These coins are more than just artifacts; they are relics of a bygone era that continue to fascinate historians, numismatists, and collectors alike, providing a window into the complexities and contradictions of Crusader rule in the Levant Starting price: 150 EUR |  |
Match 3:
| Savoca Numismatik GmbH & Co. KG > Online Auction 198 | Silver | Auction date: 25 February 2024 |
| Lot number: 323 Price realized: 170 EUR (Approx. 184 USD) Note: Prices do not include buyer's fees. | |
| Lot description: Crusaders. Tripoli (County). Bohemond VI AD 1251-1275. Groš AR 24 mm, 2,92 g ✠ BOEMVNDVS⁝COMES, cross within frame of alternate arcs and angles / ✠ CIVITAS⁝TRIPOLI, eight-pointed star within eight arcs. Well struck and beautifully toned. About Extremely Fine, Pierced. CCS 22. Metcalf, Crusades, 490. Wäckerlin 61. The practice of wearing coins as adornments or amulets among the Crusaders is a testament to the deep intertwining of faith, identity, and material culture during the medieval period. These coins, minted in the Crusader states within the Levant, transcended their primary function as mediums of economic exchange, embodying profound symbolic meanings. For the Crusaders, these pieces were not merely currency but potent symbols of their devout Christianity, their allegiance to feudal lords, and their sacred commitment to the Crusades. In an era where the pilgrimage to the Holy Land and the defense of Christendom were considered divine duties, the imagery and inscriptions on these coins-be it crosses, saints, or other Christian symbols-served as constant reminders of the wearer's faith and the divine protection it purportedly offered. This belief transformed these coins into talismans, cherished by Crusaders who saw in them a spiritual safeguard against the adversities of battle or the hardships encountered on their journey. Beyond their devotional significance, these coins were also emblematic of the wearer's identity and political affiliations. In the politically fragmented and often internally contentious environment of the Crusader states, showcasing one's allegiance through the wearing of a specific ruler's coinage was a powerful statement of loyalty. It reinforced social and military bonds among the Crusaders, serving as a visible badge of unity and shared purpose in a foreign land fraught with peril and opposition. Wearing these coins also signaled economic and social status. In a time when precious metals signified wealth, adorning oneself with silver or gold coins was a clear indication of one's standing within the Crusader society. This practice mirrored broader medieval norms where material wealth was frequently displayed as a marker of social distinction. Moreover, the Crusades were a crucible of cultural exchange between the East and West, with the practice of wearing coins likely influenced by local traditions encountered by the Crusaders in the Levant. This blending of customs reflects the broader syncretism that characterized the Crusader states, where Western and Eastern influences merged in various aspects of life. Thus, the act of wearing coins among the Crusaders was a multifaceted expression of personal and collective identity. It wove together strands of religious devotion, political loyalty, and social prestige, embedded within the broader tapestry of cultural interaction that defined the Crusader presence in the Holy Land. These coins, when worn, were a tangible manifestation of the wearer's beliefs, allegiances, and aspirations, linking them to a cause that transcended geographical and temporal boundaries. Today, these coins continue to offer invaluable insights into the Crusader ethos, revealing the complex interplay of motives and identities that drove these medieval warriors and pilgrims Starting price: 100 EUR |  |
Match 4:
| Savoca Numismatik GmbH & Co. KG > Online Auction 203 | Silver | Auction date: 24 March 2024 |
| Lot number: 641 Price realized: 200 EUR (Approx. 217 USD) Note: Prices do not include buyer's fees. | |
| Lot description: Crusaders. Tripoli (County). Bohemond VII AD 1275-1287. Groš AR 25 mm, 2,47 g ✠ SEPTIMVS⁝BOEMVNDVS⁝COMES, cross in twelve-foil / ✠ CIVITAS⁝TRIPOLIS⁝SYRIE, castle in twelve-foil Good Very Fine Metc. 500, Schl. IV, 22, MPS p. 175, 27. Starting price: 150 EUR |  |
Match 5:
| Savoca Numismatik GmbH & Co. KG > Online Auction 198 | Silver | Auction date: 25 February 2024 |
| Lot number: 326 Price realized: 90 EUR (Approx. 97 USD) Note: Prices do not include buyer's fees. | |
| Lot description: Crusaders. Tripoli (County). Bohemond VII AD 1275-1287. Half Groš AR 20 mm, 1,65 g ✠ SEPTIMVS⁝BOEMVNDVS⁝COMES, cross in twelve-foil / ✠ CIVITAS⁝TRIPOLIS⁝SYRIE, castle in twelve-foil. Very Fine Metc. 500, Schl. IV, 22, MPS p. 175, 27. Bohémond VII, ruling as the Count of Tripoli from 1275 to 1287, was the last of his dynasty to govern this Crusader state in the Levant. His reign was marked by internal strife and the ever-looming threat of Muslim encroachment, which culminated in the eventual fall of Tripoli to the Mamluk Sultanate shortly after his death. Despite the challenges of his time, Bohémond VII's tenure is noted for the continuation of the gros coinage tradition within the County of Tripoli. This silver gros, following the numismatic legacy of his predecessors, bore distinctive Christian motifs and inscriptions, asserting the Crusader state's identity amidst a predominantly Muslim region. The coinage under Bohémond VII not only facilitated trade and commerce but also served as a tangible assertion of Christian rule and cultural presence in the East, embodying the resilience of the Crusader states even as their dominion waned Starting price: 75 EUR |  |
