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Auction: 323 - The Numismatic Collector's Series Sale
Lot: 135

Crusaders. Latin Kingdom of Jerusalem. John of Brienne (1210-1225). Billon Denier. Damietta. 0.73 gms. Cross pattée with annulet in second and third quadrants; +IOhES (triple pellet) REX (triple pellet), rev. Crowned facing head; +DAMIATA. Metcalf 204, CCS 43. Rare. According to Metcalf this type was struck just before the siege of Damietta, Egypt during the Fifth Crusade. As the Crusaders commander, John was unsuccessful in his attack on the Ayyubids at Mount Tabor. He advanced into Egypt in May 1218 seeking to take Damietta -- the Crusaders believed it would allow them to control the Nile and thus be a stepping stone to conquering Egypt, Palestine and Jerusalem. John took Damietta on November 5, 1219. The Fifth Crusade, though, would fail. Slightly ragged edge as typical, decent fabric and surfaces. About Very Fine.

Sold for
$220