ARMENIA, Cilician Armenia. Baronial. Roupen I, 1080-1095. Pogh (Bronze, 21 mm, 2.73 g). +ԱաԻԲԷՆ ( 'Roupen' in Armenian ) around cross. Rev. Ծաոա այ ( 'servant of God' in Armenian ) around cross. ACV 245. CCA 1. Rare; this is the first coin of the Baronial period. Very fine.
Coins like this were often tossed as payment by the audiences of early medieval Armenian singers of satirical songs. As such the singers themselves were known as Poghs. Some of those singers, fleeing Moslem invaders, ended up in Ireland.
Price realized | 500 CHF |
Starting price | 100 CHF |