CNG 85, Lot: 124. Estimate $200. Sold for $460. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

ARMENIA, Cilician Armenia. Royal. Oshin. 1308-1320. AR Tram (23mm, 2.74 g, 1h). Coronation issue. Oshin seated facing on throne decorated with lions, holding cross and lis, with feet resting upon footstool; Armenian hi to left, manus Dei in benediction to right, pellets between legs / Two lions rampant back-to-back, each with heads reverted; between, cross pattée set on spear. Cf. AC 438; CCA 1845 var. (no letter on obv.); Bedoukian, Hoard 101x. EF. Rare.

From the R.A. Collection. Ex Classical Numismatic Group XXVII (9 September 1993), lot 192.

Ascending the throne upon the assassination of his eldest brother Hetoum II and nephew Levon III, Oshin saw his predecessors’ murders avenged, as Oshin’s supporter, the Mongol Ilkan Oljeitu, ordered the execution of Bilarghu, the general responsible for their deaths. Disappointed by the failure of his efforts to unite the Armenian and Roman churches, Oshin chose to pursue a middle ground in order to avoid further religious controversy. Plagued by the always-threatening Mamluk invasions, especially toward the latter part of Oshin’s reign, the Armenian armies were finally defeated by their southern invaders near the port of Ayas just after Oshin’s death.

Numismatically, Oshin made a brief attempt to reintroduce the silver tram. This scarce issue, however, quickly gave way to the more debased takvorin coinage.