CRUSADERS. Latin Kingdom of Jerusalem. John of Brienne, 1210-1225. Denier (Silver, 17 mm, 0.75 g, 6 h), uncertain mint in Egypt, probably Damietta, 1218-1221. ✠ DAMIATA Head facing front with curled hair, wearing crown with three pellets. Rev. ✠ IOhES REX Cross pattée with pellet in second and third angles. CCS 45. Metcalf, Crusades, 203. Wäckerlin 28. Rare. Minor edge crack, otherwise, very fine.


This rare issue was struck during the disastrous Fifth Crusade, which was an unsuccessful attempt by the Crusaders to stabilize their holdings in the Levante by conquering Egypt, the heartland of the Ayyubids.