Serbian Medieval Coins

Despot Djuradj Brankovic (1427-1456)

Silver "snowflake" type. 14mm, 0.529g.

Obverse: Big six branch snowflake in the middle of the circle. Serbian legend: + ГНb ДЕСПОТЬ ГЮРГЬ (SIR DESPOT DJURDJ) around.

Reverse: Small lion (Brankovic family emblem), standing, facing left in the middle of the square. Each corner of the square has small cross. Around are four more five branch snowflakes with dots around.

Reference: J 42 38.2, Jov 42 29.2.

Comment: Extremely rare and highly priced type called snowflake type because of the image resembling natural ice snowflake. In excellent condition with lovely details and patina. Normally these are in very bad condition.

This example has additional b in description at the end of despots name unlike example published in Jovanovic catalogue 2012 which doesn't have it.

There are only 4 registered examples.

Despot Djuradj Brankovic (1427-1456)

Silver "snowflake" type. 14mm, 0.690g

Obverse: Big five branch snowflake in the middle of the circle. Serbian Cyrillic description with large letters: + ГНb ДЕСПОТЬ ГЮРГЬ (SIR DESPOT DJURDJ) around.

Reverse: Small lion (Brankovic family emblem), standing and facing left in the middle of the square. But each corner of the square has small lily with 2 dots, one on each side. Around are 4 five forked branch snowflakes. 2 dots on both sides of each snowflake.

Reference: J 42 38.1, Jov 42 29.1, I 45.18.

Comment: Extremely rare type called “snowflake” type because of the image resembling natural ice snowflakes. In excellent condition with lovely details and patina.

This one and the one above are the only two varieties of a snowflake type minted by Serbian Despot Djuradj Brankovic!

It’s very interesting that coin above, on the obverse, has 4 small snowflakes that look just like big central snowflake on the reverse of this coin (five branches) and vice versa, this coin, on the obverse, has 4 small snowflakes that look just like big central snowflake on the reverse of the above coin (It only has five forked branches not six).

Above example has additional but reversed “b” in description at the end of despots name unlike example published in Jovanovic catalogue 2012 which doesn't have it. “b” at the end of “ГНb” title is extended and curled underneath. This example also has “b” at the end of despots name as well as at the end of despots title but it’s in a standard form, it’s not reversed or curled down.

There are only 4 registered examples.

Despot Djuradj Brankovic (1427-1456)

Silver "Djuradj and Hunyadi" type. 17mm, 0.990g.

Obverse: Djuradj Brankovic enthroned facing, holding sword and globus cruciger. Latin legend: • • DЄSPO • • • • GVRΛ • • • (DESPOT DJURDJ) around. 2 dots are inside the throne.

Reverse: John Hunyadi (1406 – 11 August 1456), regent of Hungary, coat of arms (The royal coat of arms is quartered with his personal emblem, a raven holding a gold ring in its beak and a Hungarian double cross). Latin legend: + IOHΛNЄS • D • H • W • R • VNGΛRI • (JOHN FOR THE KING REGENT (GUBERNATOR or GOVERNOR OF HUNGARY).

Reference: J 42 39, Jov 42 42.1, Lj XIII 27, I 45 41, ΛX 632.

Comment: Extremely rare type in excellent condition with lovely details and patina.

According to the Byzantine historian Laonikos Chalkokondyles, the young Hunyadi "stayed for a time" at the court of Stefan Lazarević, Despot of Serbia who died in 1427. He was probably a friend with the Serbian despot. According to a bugarštica (a Serbian popular poem originally known as Bugaršćica, is a form of epic and ballad oral poetry, which was popular among South Slavs mainly in Dalmatia and Bay of Kotor from 15th until the 18th century), he was the son of Despot Stefan Lazarević and Stefan's alleged wife, a girl from Hermannstadt/Nagyszeben (present-day Sibiu, Romania). If that is true it would explain his later decisions.

After the Ottomans laid siege to Smederevo, the last important Serbian stronghold in June 1439, Djuradj Branković, Despot of Serbia went to Hungary to seek military assistance. King Albert called all the nobility against the Ottomans, but few noblemen responded. One of the few that
responded and helped Serbia was John Hunyadi.

There are only 3 registered examples.

Despot Djuradj Brankovic (1427-1456)

Silver "Djuradj and Hunyadi" type. 15mm, 0.513g.

Obverse: Djuradj Brankovic enthroned facing, holding sword and globus cruciger. Latin legend: • • DЄSPO • • • • GVRΛ • • (DESPOT DJURDJ) around.

Reverse: John Hunyadi (1406 – 11 August 1456), regent of Hungary, coat of arms (The royal coat of arms is quartered with his personal emblem, a raven holding a gold ring in its beak). Latin legend: + IOHANЄS • D • H • W • R • VNGARI GV • (JOHN FOR THE KING REGENT (GUBERNATOR - GOVERNOR ) OF HUNGARY).

Reference: J 42 39, Jov 42 42.1, Lj XIII 27, I 45 41, ΛX 632.

Comment: Extremely rare type in excellent condition with lovely details and patina.

In 1446 Hunyadi was appointed regent for six-year-old Ladislaus V “Posthumous”, taking the title of Governor (GUBERNATOR in Latin, variously abbreviated as GV, GVB, or GVBER on coins issued in his name). He was regent until 1453. This coin is probably issued after 1446 - 1453 in honor of their united effort against Ottoman invaders.

Jovanovic claims in his book Serbian Medieval Coins Catalogue 2012 that this coin is issued for the marriage of Djuradj granddaughter to the son of John Hunyadi.

There are only 3 registered examples.

Despot Djuradj Brankovic (1427-1456)

Silver "sword" type. Smederevo mint. 12mm, 0.816g

Obverse: Crowned Djuradj sitting on the throne, facing, holding sword in his right hand and globus in his left hand. Serbian description: • ДЕСПОТЬ • ГЮРГЬ • (DESPOT DJURADJ).

Reverse: Lion marching to the left (Brankovic family emblem). Serbian description: C M Д P B • O • (SMEDEREVO).

Reference: J 42 35.1, Jov 42-35, LJ (XIII-14), I (45.23).

Comment: This coin of Serbian Despot Djuradj Brankovic may look the same as the one below, reference #DJB32, they have same letter style, same look and design and Jovanovic does puts them under same reference in his book but they do have 3 differences and should be classed as a separate type.

Main difference is on the obverse on the throne on which despot is sitting. Bottom coin has crosses on each side of the throne but this coin doesn’t have any crosses!

Second difference is also on the obverse and it’s in description. Below coin has two letter b after P and after Г in despots name, ГЮРbГЬ but on this coin description starts with a dot and it doesn’t have first letter b, it reads ГЮРГЬ.

Third difference is on the reverse. Below coin has letters that stand for the city of Smederevo where both coins were minted and are spread around evenly in front and behind lions head, tail, back and front legs with no dots, С М Д Р В О. This coin has less spread back legs of the lion and dot between them instead of a letter B, behind and after letter O.

Very interesting differences of this relatively common type but this example is much more rare and harder to find.

I have personally only seen 3 more examples of this coin.

Despot Djuradj Brankovic (1427-1456)

Silver "sword" type of Novo Brdo. 13mm, 1.2g.

Obverse: Crowned Djuradj enthroned facing, with drawn sword and holdingglobus. Serbian legend: ДЕСПОТЬ ГЮРГЬ (DESPOT DJURDJ).

Reverse: Lion rampant (Brankovic family emblem), circular Serbian legend: NB БРД (NOVO BRDO).

Reference: J 139, Jov 42-37, I (45.31).

Comment: Very rare in excellent condition with lovely details and patina. The rarest of the named mint aspra series of Djuradj Brankovic, the Novo Brdo types are considerably harder to find than the very scarce Rudnik mint issues.

There are only 15 registered examples.

Despot Djuradj Brankovic (1427-1456)

Silver "sword" type of Novo Brdo. 13mm, 1.1g.

Obverse: Crowned Djuradj enthroned facing, with drawn sword and holding globus. Serbian legend: ДЕСПОТЬ ГЮРГЬ (DESPOT DJURDJ).

Reverse: Lion rampant (Brankovic family emblem), circular Serbian legend: NB БРД (NOVO BRDO).

Reference: J 139, Jov 42-37, I (45.31).

Comment: Very rare. The rarest of the named mint aspra series of Djuradj Brankovic, the Novo Brdo types are considerably harder to find than the very scarce Rudnik mint issues.

There are only 15 registered examples.

Despot Djuradj Brankovic (1427-1456)

Silver "sword" type of Novo Brdo. 13mm, 1.1g.

Obverse: Crowned Djuradj enthroned facing, with drawn sword and holding globus. Serbian legend: ДЕСПОТЬ ГЮРГЬ (DESPOT DJURDJ)

Reverse: Lion rampant (Brankovic family emblem), circular Serbian legend: NB БРД (NOVO BRDO)

Reference: J 139, Jov 42-37, I (45.31)

Comment: Very rare. The rarest of the named mint aspra series of Djuradj Brankovic, the Novo Brdo types are considerably harder to find than the very scarce Rudnik mint issues.

There are only 15 registered examples.

Despot Djuradj Brankovic (1427-1456)

Silver "monogram" type. 11mm, 1.1g, Jovanovic owned.

Obverse: Serbian Cyrillic monogram ГЮРГЬ (DJURADJ), 3 stars and 2 lilies around.

Reverse: Serbian Cyrillic monogram ДЕСПОТЬ (DESPOT), 3 stars and 2 lilies around.

Reference: J 128, Jov 42-29, LJ (Description 179/5), I (45.33).

Comment: Owned by Jovanovic himself and pictured in his book "Serbien Medieval Coins" Belgrade 2002 page 135, type 29, no1. Like above just without despot head on the obverse. Sold by his widow after his death. Very clean, detailed and rare example.

Despot Djuradj Brankovic (1427-1456)

Silver "monogram" type. 14mm, 0.839g.

Obverse: Serbian Cyrillic monogram ГЮРГЬ (DJURADJ) surmounted by his crowned head, 5 stars, 5 dots and 2 lilies around. Single dot in the middle of the monogram.

Reverse: Serbian Cyrillic monogram ДЕСПОТЬ (DESPOT), 5 stars, 5 dots and 2 lilies around.

Reference: J 129, Jov 42-30, LJ (XIII-24), I (45.34).

Comment: Very rare and hard to find. Clear despot head above monogram. Middle son of Vuk Brankovic also known as Djuradj Vukovic (son of Vuk). Master of Kosovo 1402-1412 (no despot title) and Despot of Raska 1427-1456 (with despot title) after unexpected death of despot Stefan Lazarevic in 1427. He died December 24th 1456 and was buried in the Church of Kriva Reka.

Despot Djuradj Brankovic (1427-1456)

Silver "monogram" type. 12mm, 0.926g.

Obverse: Serbian Cyrillic monogram ГЮРГЬ (DJURADJ) surmounted by his crowned head, 5 stars, 5 dots and 2 lilies around. Single dot in the middle of the monogram but attached to the Г letter.

Reverse: Serbian Cyrillic monogram ДЕСПОТЬ (DESPOT), 5 stars, 5 dots and 2 lilies around.

Reference: J 129, Jov 42-30, LJ (XIII-24), I (45.34).

Comment: Very rare and hard to find. Clear despot head above monogram. Even though this coin is smaller in size then the one above, the head of despot is bigger.

Despot Djuradj Brankovic (1427-1456)

Silver "2 lines" type. 12mm, 0.790g.

Obverse: In 2 lines Serbian description: C - - O ГЬ ДЕП ТЬ ГЮPГЬ ✶ (SIR DESPOT DJURADJ). Star in the middle and 2 dots to the sides on the bottom.

Reverse: Lion walking to the left (Brankovic family emblem). Serbian description: C М В О (SMEDEREVO) around.

Reference: J 42 18, 30, Lj XIII-22, Jov 42 15, I (45.26).

Comment: Extremely rare and beautiful type in 2 lines with decorative monogram style letters minted in Smederevo, Serbia.

2 titles were used. First line almost has both titles. Title SIR is represented by 2 letters joined together. Letter Г and soft sign b, Гb, usually in Djuradj coinage this title is spelled ГНb. Second title DESPOT is written with letter C above Д and letter O above П. This title finishes at the beginning of the second line with Tb joined together, ДЕСПОТЬ. Followed by his name Djuradj in shorter version ГЮPГЬ with ГЮ and ГЬ joined together.

In Jovanovic catalogue from 2012 there is only one registered example, he has same coin under reference J 42 18 and J 42 30, its 11mm and 0.31g, so this one, slightly bigger and much heavier, 12mm and 0.79g, is only second known example of this type known to exist!

Despot Djuradj Brankovic (1427-1456)

Silver "3 line" type. 14mm, 0.891g.

Obverse: 3 line Serbian legend: ГNЬ ДЕСПО TЬГ (SIR DESPOT DJURADJ). 4 stars around.

Reverse: Lion rampant (Brankovic family emblem), facing left, 3 large lilies and 3 small stars around.

Reference: Jov 42 16.1, J 42 13 1,2, Lj XIII 9, I 45 20.

Comment: Very rare variant with a 6 corner stars on the obverse and unusual 3 large lilies and 3 small stars on the reverse. There are 3 different known stars: this one, normal solid stars and circled stars like the example below.

1 example pictured in Jovanovic catalogue.

15 registered variant examples.

Despot Djuradj Brankovic (1427-1456)

Silver "3 line" type. 15mm, 0.893g.

Obverse: 3 line Serbian legend: ГNЬ ДЕСПО TЬГ (SIR DESPOT DJURADJ). 4 circled stars around.

Reverse: Lion rampant (Brankovic family emblem), facing left, 4 lilies around.

Reference: Jov 42 16.1, J 42 13 1,2, Lj XIII 9, I 45 20.

Comment: Despot Djuradj Brankovic ruled Serbia until his death in 1456. Stefan Tomasevic Kotromanic was son of Stefan Tomas, youngest son of Ostoja. By marrying Maria of Serbia, eldest daughter of the deceased despot of Serbia, Lazar Branković (third son of Djuradj Branković and his wife Eirene Kantakouzene ), in April 1459 he became Despot of Serbia. Kotromanic family being related to Nemanjic royal family through king Dragutin and marriage to Brankovic family made Stefan a legitimate successor. Same year he lost Serbia and fled back to Bosnia. They ruled as king and queen of Bosnia 1461-1463.

Both coins below have same moneyer mark on the obverse, a circled star. Djuradj coin has 4 of them around description and Tomasevic coin has one on the right side next to the helmet. This could easily be mistaken to be a part of coin design not moneyer mark but the fact that it appears on Djuradj coins as well proves otherwise.

This shows that medieval Serbian and Bosnian ruler used same moneyer. He must have served the needs of the Serbian state up to the death of Djuradj in 1456. He lived through those turbulent times and saw invasion of Ottomans, destruction of Serbian Despotate, Stefan Tomasevic taking over in 1459, ruling for only few month and fleeing back to Bosnia. Maybe he followed him and felt safer in Bosnia minting coins for him as well between 1461 and 1463 until king was killed by Ottoman occupying army and Kingdom of Bosnia destroyed too. An eyewitness to the darkest times in the history of the Serbia and Bosnia.

2 examples are pictured in Jovanovic catalogue.

15 registered variant examples.

Despot Djuradj Brankovic (1427-1456)

Silver "3 line" type. 15mm, 0.907g.

Obverse: 3 line Serbian legend: ГNЬ ДЕСПО TЬГ (SIR DESPOT DJURADJ). 4 six corner stars around.

Reverse: Lion rampant (Brankovic family emblem), facing left, 4 large lilies around.

Reference: Jov 42 16.1, J 42 13 1,2, Lj XIII 9, I 45 20.

Comment: Very rare variant with a 6 corner stars on the obverse and unusual 4 large lilies on the reverse. There are 3 different known stars: this one and 2 above.

1 example pictured in Jovanovic catalogue.

15 registered variant examples.

Despot Djuradj Brankovic (1427-1456)

Silver "3 line" type. 15mm, 1.039g.

Obverse: 3 line Serbian legend: ГNЬ ДЕ СПО TЬ ГoPГb (SIR DESPOT DJURADJ).

Reverse: Lion rampant (Brankovic family emblem), facing left. Serbian legend: C M E Д E B O (SMEDEREVO).

Reference: Jov 42 31, J 42 11, Lj XIII 21, I 45 25.

Comment: Very rare type with with decorative letters on the obverse. Letter Д is made out of 3 triangles, in title ГNЬ, N and b are joined together and at the beginning of despots name letters Г and small o are also joined together.

16 registered examples.

Despot Djuradj Brankovic (1427-1456)

Silver "3 line" type. 13mm, 0.6g.

Obverse: 3 line Serbian legend: ГNЬ / ДЕСПО / TГЬ (SIR DESPOT DJURADJ), underlined, with 4 pellets around.

Reverse: Lion rampant (Brankovic family emblem), 4 lilies around.

Reference: J 126, Jov 42-13.3.

Comment: Rare early type that spells out title "Sir" or "Lord", including the more important rank of Despot, minted after 1427.

Despot Djuradj Brankovic (1427-1456)

Silver "sword" type of Smederevo. 14mm, 0.991g.

Obverse: Crowned Djuradj, standing, in cloak and crown, with drawn sword in his right hand and globus in his left hand. Serbian legend: ДЕСПОТЬ ГЮРЬГЬ • (DESPOT DJURDJ) around.

Reverse: Lion rampant (Brankovic family emblem), 2 stars and Serbian legend: CMДPBO ✶ ✶ (SMEDEREVO) around.

Reference: Jov 42-34, I (45.19), Lj XIII-16.

Comment: Lovely natural patina and toning.

Following the conflicts that concluded 1443, Branković had a significant role in the Battle of Niš and Battle of Zlatica and consequently in facilitating the Peace of Szeged (1444) between Kingdom of Hungary and the Ottomans. Murad II, who also desired peace, was married to Branković's daughter Mara. On March 6, 1444, Mara sent an envoy to Branković; their discussion started the peace negotiations with the Ottoman Empire. This peace restored his Serbian rule, but Branković was forced to bribe John Hunyadi with his vast estates. On 22 August 1444 the prince peacefully took possession of the evacuated town of Smederevo.

Despot Djuradj Brankovic (1427-1456)

Silver "sword" typeof Smederevo. 13mm, 1.2g.

Obverse: Crowned Djuradj, standing, in cloak and crown, with drawn sword in his right hand and globus in his left hand. Serbian legend: ДЕСПОТЬ ГЮРГЬ (DESPOT DJURDJ) around.

Reverse: Lion rampant (Brankovic family emblem), 2 stars and Serbian legend: CMДPBO ✶ ✶ (SMEDEREVO) around.

Reference: Jov 42-34, I (45.19), Lj XIII-16.

Comment: Lovely natural patina and toning.

The peace was broken in the same year by Hunyadi and king Władysław III of Poland during the Crusade of Varna, which culminated in the Battle of Varna. A crusading army led by Regent John Hunyadi of Hungary was defeated by Sultan Murad II's forces at Kosovo Polje in 1448. This was the last concerted attempt in the Middle Ages to expel the Ottomans from southeastern Europe. Although Hungary was able to successfully defy the Ottomans despite the defeat at Kosovo Polje during Hunyadi's lifetime, the kingdom fell to the Ottomans in the 16th century. Branković also captured Hunyadi at Smederevo for a short time when he was retreating home from Kosovo in 1448, due to their personal feud.

Despot Djuradj Brankovic (1427-1456)

Silver "sword" typeof Smederevo. 13mm, 1.2g.

Obverse: Crowned Djuradj, standing, in cloak and crown, with drawn sword in his right hand and globus in his left hand. Serbian legend: ДЕСПОТЬ ГЮРГЬ • (DESPOT DJURDJ) around.

Reverse: Lion rampant (Brankovic family emblem), 2 stars and Serbian legend: CMДPBO ✶ ✶ (SMEDEREVO) around.

Reference: Jov 42-34, I (45.19), Lj XIII-16.

Comment: Lovely natural patina and toning.

Following Hunyadi's victory over the Mehmet II at the Siege of Belgrade on 14 July 1456, a period of relative peace began in the region. The sultan retreated to Adrianople, and Branković regained possession of Serbia. Before the end of the year, however, the 79-year-old Branković died. Serbian independence survived him for only another three years.

His portrait in the illuminated manuscript of Esphigmenou (1429) depicts him with a mild beard, while the French nobleman Bertrandon de la Broquière who guested Đurađ in 1433 said of him "nice lord and large [in person]". He was deemed by contemporaries as the richest monarch in all of Europe; Broquière stated that his annual income from the gold and silver mines of Novo Brdo amassed to about 200,000 Venetian ducats. Among other sources of income, there were possessions in the Kingdom of Hungary, for which expenses were covered by the Hungarian crown. The annual income from them alone was estimated to 50,000 ducats.

Despot Djuradj Brankovic (1427-1456)

Silver aspra of Smederevo. 13mm, 1.1g.

Obverse: Crowned Djuradj enthroned facing, with drawn sword and globus cruciger. Serbian legend: ДЕСПОТЬ ГЮРГЬ • (DESPOT DJURDJ).

Reverse: Lion rampant (Brankovic family emblem), circular Serbian legend: CДPBOO (SMDRVO).

Reference: J 134, Jov 42-35, LJ (XIII-14), I (45.23)

Comment: Like issues above just with different reverse letters, without stars at the lions feet and no inner circle behind despot on the obverse. Double struck reverse.

Despot Djuradj Brankovic (1427-1456)

Silver "lion" type. 0.9g.

Obverse: Lion rampant (heraldic symbol of the Brankovic family) with star on the bottom, Serbian legend +ГNЬ ДЕСПОТЬ ГЮРГЬ (SIR DESPOT GJURGJ) around.

Reverse: Christ in glory, seating on the throne holding book of gospels with his left and with raised right hand, Iↄ Xↄ (Jesus Christ).

Reference: J 122, Jov 42-20

Comment: Rare early type that spells out title "Sir" or "Lord", including the more important rank of Despot probably because this type was issued after 1427 when Hungarian King Sigismund after death of Stefan Lazarevic declares him Despot of Serbia.

There are only 16 registered examples.

Despot Djuradj Brankovic (1427-1456)

Silver "lion" type.

Obverse: Lion rampant (heraldic symbol of the Brankovic family) with star on the bottom. Serbian legend: +ГNЬ ДЕСПОТЬ ГЮРГЬ (SIR DESPOT GJURGJ) around.

Reverse: Christ in glory, seating on the throne holding Gospels with his left and with raised right hand, Iↄ Xↄ (Jesus Christ) above.

Reference: J 122, Jov 42-20.

Comment: Rare early type that spells out title "Sir" or "Lord", including the more important rank of Despot probably because this type was issued after 1427.

Despot Djuradj Brankovic (1427-1456)

Silver "lion" dinar.

Obverse: Lion marching with Serbian legend around: +ГNЬ ДЕСПОТ ГЮPЬГЬГ ("SIR DESPOT DJURADJ").

Reverse: Christ facing on low back throne ornamented with lilies on each side, Greek legend IC - XT (Jesus Christ) above.

Reference: J 124v, Jov 42-22.

Comment: Different from usual examples with Christ sitting on the throne and IC XT initials which is different from standard IC XC. ДЕСПОТ on the obverse also unlike most,starts at around 100 degree just under the tail of the lion. Nice condition and toning.

Despot Djuradj Brankovic (1427-56)

Silver "lion" dinar.

Obverse: Lion marching with Serbian legend around: +ГNЬ ДЕСПОТ ГЮPЬГЬГ ("SIR DESPOT DJURADJ").

Reverse: Christ facing on low back throne ornamented with lilies on each side, Greek legend IC - XT (Jesus Christ) above.

Reference: J 124v, Jov 42-22.

Comment: Different from usual examples with Christ sitting on the throne and IC XT initials which is different from standard IC XC. ДЕСПОТ starts at around 80 degree from the top of the lions tail.Nice condition and toning. Lion mistruck.

Despot Djuradj Brankovic (1427-1456)

Silver "4 lines" dinar.

Obverse: In 4 lines Serbian legend: ГNЬ ДЕСПО ТЬГЮP ЬГЬГ ("SIR DESPOT DJURADJ")

Reverse: Lion rampant (Brankovic family emblem), stars around.

Reference: J 121, Jov 42-9, LJ (XIII-17), I (45.8).

Comment: Rare early type that spells out title "Sir" or "Lord", including the more important rank of Despot, minted after 1427. Faded 4th line so not very visible. Lion in great detailed condition with lovely natural patina.

Despot Djuradj Brankovic ( 1427-1456)

Silver "4 lines" dinar.

Obverse: In 4 lines Serbian legend: ГNЬ ДЕСПО ТЬГЮP ЬГЬГ ("SIR DESPOT DJURADJ").

Reverse: Lion rampant (Brankovic family emblem), stars around.

Reference: J 121, Jov 42-9, LJ (XIII-17), I (45.8).

Comment: Rare early type that spells out title "Sir" or "Lord", including the more important rank of Despot, minted after 1427. 1st line little bit faded. Lion with lovely discoloring, natural patina and in great condition.

Despot Djuradj Brankovic (1427-1456)

Silver aspra of Smederevo, 0.9g

Obverse: Crowned Djuradj standing, in cloak and crown, with drawn sword and globus cruciger, Serbian legend: ГNЬ ДЕСПОТЬ ГЮРГЬ (SIR DESPOT DJURDJ).

Reverse: Lion rampant (Brankovic family emblem), 2 stars and circular Serbian legend: CMДPBO (SMDRVO).

Reference: J 133, Jov 42-33, LJ (XIII-16), I (45.24)

Comment: More common Smederevo issue.

During his reign the Serbian capital was moved to Smederevo (near Belgrade) after the Second Battle of Kosovo. After he was appointed as a successor for his uncle, Despot Stefan Lazarević, Branković's rule was marked by new conflicts and the fall of Kosovo and Metohia to the Ottoman Empire. Branković allied himself with the Kingdom of Hungary. In 1439 the Ottomans captured Smederevo, the Branković's capital. The prince fled to the Kingdom of Hungary.

Despot Djuradj Brankovic (1427-1456)

Silver aspra of Smederevo, 0.9g

Obverse: Crowned Djuradj standing, in cloak and crown, with drawn sword and globus cruciger, outside inner circle Serbian legend: ДЕСПОТЬ ГЮРГЬ (DESPOT DJURDJ).

Reverse: Lion rampant (Brankovic family emblem), 2 stars and circular Serbian legend: CMДPBO (SMDRVO).

Reference: Jov 42-34, I (45.19)

Comment: More common Smederevo issue.

Despot Branković traveled from Hungary to Zeta, accompanied with several hundred cavalry and his wife. He first went to Zagreb, to his sister Katarina who was a wife of Ulrich II, Count of Celje. Then he arrived to Dubrovnik at the end of July 1440 and after several days continued his journey toward his coastal towns Budva and Bar which became new capitol of the remaining part of his despotate.

Despot Djuradj Brankovic (1427-1456)

Silver dinar, 0.9g.

Obverse: In 4 lines Serbian legend: ГNЬ ДЕСПО ТЬГЮP ЬГЬГ ("SIR DESPOT DJURADJ").

Reverse: Lion rampant (Brankovic family emblem), stars around.

Reference: J 121, Jov 42-9, LJ (XIII-17), I (45.8).

Comment: Rare early type that spells out title "Sir" or "Lord", including the more important rank of Despot, minted after 1427.

The Ottoman sultan reacted to the throne change, and the Hungarian influence which was felt more than he could afford, with sending an army into Serbia, which conquered Niš, Kruševac and besieged Novo Brdo. As to secure his prestige in Serbia, which had been weakened due to him, King Sigismund sent Despot Djuradj his own army. The combined army destroyed a large Ottoman detachment near Ravanica.

Serbian medieval coins

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