CRUSADERS. Edessa. Baldwin I (?), 1098-1100. Follis (Bronze, 27 mm, 8.08 g, 1 h). Nimbate and draped bust of Christ facing, with two pellets on the cross nimbus, raising his right hand in benediction and holding book of Gospels; in field to left and right, [I]C - XC. Rev. B-A/Δ-N Jewelled cross with wedges in angles set on steps. Malloy 1b. Metcalf, p. 33, Class 1 var. (no wedges). Porteous 1. Wäckerlin 161. Very rare. An unusually attractive and exceptionally complete example with a fine green patina. Traces of overstriking (?) on the reverse, otherwise, very fine.
It is unclear whether this type was struck under Baldwin I or by his cousin Baldwin II, who became the ruler of Edessa in 1100 after Baldwin I had become the King of Jerusalem. In any case, most of these early Edessan folles are poorly struck and heavily worn - fortunately, this example is not!