Ancient Armenia Silver Tram of Levon I NGC AU

Centuries-Old Coins of the Crusaders

After becoming the first king of a unified Armenia in 1198, Levon I quickly established his nation as a unified Christian state. Aside from the spiritual ramifications such a move entailed, it was also a shrewd political and economic decision that helped generate a steady revenue stream off the many crusades to the Holy Land. Already established as a sort of way station for Europeans traveling to the Middle East during the First, Second and Third Crusades, Armenia continued to add cash to its coffers during Levon’s reign by furnishing crusaders with supplies, scouts, guides, pack animals and other services — all at a tidy price!

The Savvy Monarch Who Profited From The Crusades

As the Lord of Cilician Armenia from 1187 to1198, Levon had already been heavily involved in the Third Crusade. That Crusade from 1189 to 1192 was led by Philip II of France, Richard I of England and Holy Roman Emperor Frederick I. Partially successful, the crusaders recaptured the important cities of Acre and Jaffa. The campaign failed, however, to take back Jerusalem and bring it back under Christian control. Two other Crusades occurred during Levon’s reign: the Fourth Crusade from 1202 to 1204 and the Fifth Crusade from 1217 from 1221.

Unmistakable Significance of Designs & Inscriptions

An interesting fact about the Crusades is that the word “crusade” comes from the Latin word “crux” meaning “cross.” That aspect gives these Ancient Armenia Silver Trams struck between 1198 and 1219 during the reign of Levon I an added design of historical significance. That’s because our savvy monarch — known by many as Levon the Magnificent — is depicted on the coin holding a cross, an unmistakable nod to his Christian sympathies and his assistance to crusaders passing through his country on their way to the Holy Land. Two rampant lions are shown back to back on the coin’s obverse along with the Armenian inscription “By the will of God.”

Each vintage medieval Silver Tram of Levon I available in this offer has been certified and graded by the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC) as being in About Uncirculated (AU) condition. Secure one of these history-rich coins right now.