Crusader States – Bohemond III of Antioch (AD 1149–1163)
Silver Denier | Antioch Mint
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Coin Details
•State: Principality of Antioch (Crusader State)
•Ruler: Bohemond III
•Reign: AD 1149–1163
•Mint: Antioch
•Denomination: Denier
•Material: Silver
•Weight: 0.64 g
•Diameter: 15 mm
•Die Axis: 6h
•Condition: Good Very Fine
•Reference: Metcalf, Crusades 381
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Obverse
Legend BOAIIVIIDVS.
Helmeted and mailed bust of Bohemond III facing left, a rare and striking crusader portrait emphasizing martial authority. The figure is flanked by a crescent to the left and a star to the right—symbols reflecting the cultural and political crossroads of Antioch, where Latin, Byzantine, and Islamic worlds intersected.
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Reverse
Legend AITIOCHIA.
A cross occupies the center, symbolizing Christian faith and crusader identity. A crescent appears in the second angle, further highlighting the unique blend of religious symbolism characteristic of Crusader coinage minted in the Near East.
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Historical Significance
Bohemond III ruled the Principality of Antioch during a turbulent period marked by constant conflict with neighboring Muslim powers and complex alliances with Byzantium and other Crusader states. Antioch was one of the most important Crusader capitals, strategically located and culturally diverse.
Crusader deniers such as this one are historically significant for their hybrid iconography, combining Western European numismatic traditions with local Near Eastern influences. These coins served both as currency and as symbols of authority in a contested and multicultural frontier.
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Why This Coin Matters
•Authentic silver denier from a major Crusader State
•Rare portrait type emphasizing knightly and military identity
•Unique combination of Christian and Near Eastern symbols
•Struck at Antioch, one of the most important cities of the Crusades
•Highly collectible medieval historical artifact
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Included with This Coin
✔️ Certificate of Authenticity & Provenance
✔️ Protective capsule or archival-quality holder
✔️ Handcrafted envelope made from traditional Amalfi paper, produced using pure cotton fibers following medieval techniques
✔️ Certificate envelope sealed with wax, bearing the official Numisnation logo