The Coinage of Armenia in Medieval Times // The First Numismatic Armenian Inscription

CNG 85, Lot: 83. Estimate $1000. Sold for $3800. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

ARMENIA, Greater Armenia. Kingdom of Lori. Kiurike II. As Curopalates (Governor General), 1048-1089. Æ Follis (25mm, 7.12 g, 11h). Imitating Byzantine Anonymous Folles of John Zimisces and Basil II. Nimbate bust of Christ facing, holding Gospels / Armenian inscription in five lines: “May the Lord help Kiurike the Curopalates”. AC 514; MAC 3 var. (legend within circle). Fair, dark brown patina, minor porosity. Extremely rare.

From the R.A. Collection. Ex Classical Numismatic Group 61 (25 September 2002), lot 2379.

Byzantine advances against Islam in Asia Minor allowed the Armenian people to regain their independence, beginning with the coronation of Ashot as king in 885. Through various conquests and marriage alliances, Ashot attempted, ultimately unsuccessfully, to unite the Armenian nation under one flag. As this fragile confederation of principalities broke off from the central Bagratid authority (one of the ancient Armenian ruling families), the capital was transferred to the city of Ani. This territorial breakdown continued, however, as Byzantine security concerns over Islam resulted in increasing annexations of Armenian-held lands, with the kingdom of Lori being the final holdout in the region. This kingdom was then disestablished following the death of Kiurike’s son, David II, in 1118.

The first inscription in the Armenian language to be found on a coin and the only medieval coin struck in Greater Armenia, this type was based directly upon the anonymous Byzantine Folles of John Zimisces and Basil II, both of which were commonly circulated in Armenia at the time.