Levon I of Armenia – Silver Tram

Coronation Issue • AD 1198–1219 • Crusader Coin

🪙 Coin Details:

• Ruler: King Levon I of Armenia (Leo the Magnificent)
• Type: Silver Tram – Coronation Issue
• Date: Struck between AD 1198–1219
• Reference: AC 2589
• Size: ~20 mm
• Weight: ~2.88 g

✨ Obverse:

The Virgin Mary stands facing with arms raised in prayer, receiving King Levon kneeling before her. Above them, a descending ray of light and dove — widely understood as the Holy Spirit — symbolize divine blessing of Levon’s coronation.

✨ Reverse:

Two lions rampant, back to back, with heads turned. Between them stands a cross pattée on a spear, with a trefoil of pellets below.

📜 Historical Significance:

Levon I was crowned on the Feast of the Epiphany in AD 1198 or AD 1199, becoming the first King of Armenian Cilicia. His reign brought Armenia into close alliance with the Latin Crusader states, placing this coin squarely among the coins of the Crusades. These silver trams are treasured for their Christian imagery and their role in Crusader-era history.

💎 Why Collect?

• A genuine medieval silver coin over 800 years old.
• A coronation issue directly tied to Levon’s rise as king.
• Highly desirable as one of the coins of the Crusades.

Own a Crusader coin — a remarkable piece of medieval history!