Medieval Armenian Silver Tram - Cilician Armenia 1198-1219 AD - Levon I

Medieval Armenian Silver Tram - Cilician Armenia 1198-1219 AD - Levon I

• Date: 1198-1219 AD
• Size: 21.90 mm, 2.91 g
• Composition: Silver
• Internal SKU: 116X457

HISTORICAL NOTE: The Medieval Armenian Silver Tram minted in Cilician Armenia between 1198 and 1219 AD during the reign of Levon I is a significant artifact from the early period of the Cilician Armenian Kingdom. Levon I, also known as Leo I, established the kingdom as a prominent Christian state in the Eastern Mediterranean following the decline of the Armenian Bagratid kingdom. The Tram, a denomination of silver coinage, features a detailed depiction of the king on the obverse, often accompanied by his name and titles, while the reverse typically shows various Christian symbols or inscriptions, reflecting the kingdom's strong religious identity and its efforts to assert sovereignty. This period was marked by the consolidation of Armenian power in Cilicia and the establishment of a flourishing trade network with neighboring states and Crusader territories. The Tram not only facilitated economic transactions but also served as a tool of royal propaganda, reinforcing Levon I's legitimacy and promoting the kingdom's Christian heritage. The coinage of Cilician Armenia under Levon I thus offers valuable insights into the political, economic, and religious landscape of the kingdom during its formative years.