Serbian Medieval Coins

King Stefan Dragutin (Ruler of Serbia (Raska) 1276-1282 and Srem 1282-1316). Fifth Serbian king of the Nemanjic state.

Silver "scepter" type. 21mm, 2.266g.

Obverse: Crowned Dragutin standing, wearing royal attire and holding a large cross. Large Serbian Cyrillic legend: СТЕФА N РАБ Xꙋ (STEFAN THE SERVANT OF CHRIST) around. 1 + on the left and 2 + signs on the right side.

Reverse: Christ enthroned, holding book of gospels decorated with 5 gems. Greek letters: IC XC (In Greek: Ιησούς Χριστός - Jesus Christ) above. Sigla Λ - R on the sides. 4 triple dotted pellets around the throne.

Reference: Unpublished compare D 13/4 56 and D 13/5 61.

Comment: This is unpublished variant with the "СТЕФА N РАБ Xꙋ" larger then usual description on the obverse and Λ - R maker siglas on the reverse. Dimitrijevic in his book has published similar examples, as you can see below, one with the same Λ - R siglas but the image of the king is slightly different. Crown also seams different, no long hair but short hair and a short tidy beard. No56 has extra H letter on the right side where no61 has b instead of Б and kings name is split СТЕФ АN. There are extra lines just above kings shoulders not found on our example, heads seam wider and both coins are slightly lighter in weight.

Letter ꙋ is made of letters O and U and simply stands for OU or just U.

King Dragutin took the throne of Serbia (Raska) after his fathers Uros I death in 1276. After a riding accident, he abdicated in favor of his brother, Milutin in 1282, but he retained the northern regions of Serbia called Syrmia (Srem) along the Hungarian border. All coins where king is featured with the crown and we have identified at least 4 different crowns, almost certainly are from this first ruling period 1276-1282.

King Stefan Dragutin (1276-1282 and Srem 1282-1316)

Silver "scepter" type. 21mm, 2.204g.

Obverse: Crowned Dragutin standing, wearing royal attire and holding a large cross. Large Serbian Cyrillic legend: СТЕФА N АБ XUꙋ (STEFAN THE SERVANT OF CHRIST) around. + mark on the left and on the right side.

Reverse: Christ enthroned, holding book of gospels decorated with 5 gems. Greek letters: IC XC (In Greek: Ιησούς Χριστός - Jesus Christ) above. 4 triple dotted pellets around the throne. + mark on the left and on the right side.

Reference: Unpublished compare D 13/4 56-61.

Comment: This is unpublished variant with the "СТЕФА N АБ XUꙋ" larger then usual description on the obverse. Dimitrijevic in his book has published similar examples, as referenced above. Crown also seams different, with long hair and no beard. Kings name is split СТЕФА N with missing P from РАБ (Servant) title and short initials for Christ have 2 Us, upside down U and usual twisted U. It looks like moneyer left P out by mistake and then tried to compensate by adding letter U later. Nice medieval mistake but still one of the most beautiful examples in Serbian numismatics and one of my favorite coins.

ꙋ ⟨оу⟩ was only used during king Dragutin rule in medieval Serbia, in fact it was used 89% of the time in the writings before 1100. By 1200, it was used 61% of the time, with the letter ⟨у⟩ used 14% of the time; by 1300, оу had reached 28%, surpassed by ⟨у⟩ at 45%. From the late 14th century on, there are no more instances of ⟨оу⟩ being used, with ⟨у⟩ appearing 95% of the time.

King Stefan Dragutin (1276-1282 and Srem 1282-1316)

Silver "scepter" type. 21mm, 2.093g.

Obverse: Crowned Dragutin standing, wearing royal attire and holding a cross tipped scepter. Serbian Cyrillic legend: СТЕФА РАБb Xꙋ (STEFA THE SERVANT OF CHRIST) around. 2 stars, 1 on each side.

Reverse: Christ enthroned and holding book of gospels decorated with 5 gems. Greek letters: IC XC (In Greek: Ιησούς Χριστός - Jesus Christ) above. 4 triple dotted pellets around the throne.

Reference: D 13/2 53

Comment: Very beautiful and extremely rare depiction of king Dragutin. His face and royal attire is beautifully preserved and is shown having a long hair, a long moustache and beard. Amazing dark brown patina and toning.

There are signs of possible hummer miss during minting or doubling as letters on the right side are not clear, not due to wear over centuries but due to mistake during minting. Evidence to this is second flower on the right side next to king where you can see outline of the flower but it’s not completely filled up.

Reverse is also beautifully detailed without usual moneyer marks. Jesus is shown having a long but thick hair, a long moustache and beard.

Jovanovic and Ivanisevic never published this Dragutin example in their catalogues only Dimitrijevic has one published on page 35, reference D13/2 53, picture below. In addition to Dimitrijevic example I have only seen one more coin like this so as far as I know there are only 4 known to exist.

This example has flat top of the throne. Next 2 examples below also have shorten kings name СТЕФА, but tilted top of the throne.

King Stefan Dragutin (1276-1282 and Srem 1282-1316)

Silver "scepter" type. 21mm, 2.189g.

Obverse: Crowned Dragutin standing, wearing royal attire and holding a thickcross tipped scepter. Serbian Cyrillic legend: СТЕФА РАБb Xꙋ (STEFA THE SERVANT OF CHRIST) around. 2 stars, 1 on each side.

Reverse: Christ enthroned, holding book of gospels decorated with 5 gems. Greek letters: IC XC (In Greek: Ιησούς Χριστός - Jesus Christ) above. 4 triple dotted pellets around the throne.

Reference: D 13/2 53, J 9, Jov 6-4.2, LJ (III-15,17,18).

Comment: Main interesting thing about this coin is that instead of name STEFAN which has been used as a name but also as a title in medieval Serbia like Roman Caesar, nickname STEFA has been used. A more endearing and affectionate description "STEFA THE SERVANT OF CHRIST". Small amount of fading but still in great overall condition. King is depicted wearing a long hair different from the example above #DRA08 where no hair is visible and a beard.

King Stefan Dragutin (1276-1282 and Srem 1282-1316)

Silver "scepter" type. 21mm, 2.206g.

Reverse: Christ enthroned, blessing with his right hand and holding book of gospels decorated with 5 gems. Greek letters: IC XC (In Greek: Ιησούς Χριστός - Jesus Christ) above. 4 triple dotted pellets around the throne.

Reference: D 13/2 52

Comment: Like example above instead of name STEFAN which has been used as a name but also as a title in medieval Serbia like Roman Caesar, nickname STEFA have also been used. Small amount of damage but still in great overall condition. King is depicted wearing a long hair, beard and very prominent mustache.

King Stefan Dragutin (1276-1282 and Srem 1282-1316)

Silver "scepter" type. 21mm, 2.108g.

Obverse: Dragutin standing with very prominent mustache, small beard and a long hair, holding large cross tipped scepter. Serbian Cyrillic legend: СТЕФАN РАБb XUH (STEFAN THE SERVANT OF CHRIST). 4 triple dotted pellets before and after kings name and before and after his title. 2 flowers at the bottom to the sides.

Reverse: Christ enthroned, holding book of gospels decorated with 5 gems. Greek letters: IC XC (In Greek: Ιησούς Χριστός - Jesus Christ) above. 4 triple dotted pellets around the throne.

Reference: D 13/1 51, J 6 2.1, Jov 6-4.1, LJ (III-13,14,16,19).

Comment: Cyrillic issues of Dragutin and legend without royal references are usually associated with the post-abdication period so after 1282. Using medieval Serbian-Slavic language was used to emphasize his independence and show that Srem was not the province of Hungary but the Orthodox country of the Slavic people. U is not twisted OU (ꙋ) showing that normal U was also used.

Only 24 registered variant examples.

King Stefan Dragutin (1276-1282 and Srem 1282-1316)

Silver "scepter" type. 21mm, 1.958g.

Obverse: Dragutin standing with very clear eyes and face, holding small cross tipped scepter. Serbian Cyrillic legend: СТЕФАN РАБb XꙋH (STEFAN THE SERVANT OF CHRIST). Initials small a and large M to the sides.

Reverse: Christ enthroned, holding book of gospels decorated with 5 gems. Greek letters: IC XC (In Greek: Ιησούς Χριστός - Jesus Christ) above. 4 triple dotted pellets around the throne.

Reference: D 13/2 54, Jov 6 2.1, J 6-4.1, LJ (III-13).

Comment: Extremely beautiful Cyrillic issue of Dragutin and legend without royal references with very nice and detailed but smaller face of the king then all other examples of this type in our collection.

Only 24 registered variant examples.

King Stefan Dragutin (1276-1282 and Srem 1282-1316)

Silver "scepter" type. 21mm.

Obverse: Dragutin standing, holding small cross tipped scepter. Serbian Cyrillic legend: СТЕФАN РАБb XꙋH (STEFAN THE SERVANT OF CHRIST). Flowers and 4 triple pellets to the sides.

Reverse: Christ enthroned, holding book of gospels decorated with 5 gems. Greek letters: IC XC (In Greek: Ιησούς Χριστός - Jesus Christ) above. 4 triple dotted pellets around the throne.

Reference: D 13/2 54, Jov 6 2.1, J 6-4.1, LJ (III-13).

Comment: Extremely beautiful Cyrillic issue of Dragutin and legend without royal references with very nice and detailed face of the king and Jesus.

Only 24 registered variant examples.

King Stefan Dragutin (1276-1282 and Srem 1282-1316)

Silver "scepter" type. 20mm, 1.949g.

Obverse: Dragutin standing with very prominent eyes and mean face, holding large cross tipped scepter. Serbian Cyrillic legend: СТЕФАN РАБb XꙋH (STEFAN THE SERVANT OF CHRIST). Initials small a and large M to the sides.

Reverse: Christ enthroned, holding book of gospels decorated with 5 gems. Greek letters: IC XC (In Greek: Ιησούς Χριστός - Jesus Christ) above. 4 triple dotted pellets around the throne.

Reference: D 13/2 54, Jov 6 2.1, J 6-4.1, LJ (III-13).

Comment: Another Cyrillic issue of Dragutin and legend without royal references which are usually associated with the post-abdication period so after 1282. Very serious almost angry face of the king.

Only 24 registered variant examples.

King Stefan Dragutin (1276-1282 and Srem 1282-1316)

Silver "sword" type. 20mm, 1.412g.

Obverse: Bare-headed king is sitting on the throne holding scepter in his right hand and a sword across his lap. Latin legend: MOMETA RE GIS STEFAMI (MONEY OF KING STEFAN) around. Star moneyer mark on the left and a mark that looks like letter Ф on the right.

Reverse: Christ enthroned, facing, holding book of gospels decorated with 5 gems. Greek letters: IC XC (In Greek: Ιησούς Χριστός - Jesus Christ) above. 4 triple dotted pellets around the throne.

Reference: Unpublished variant compare with D 12 43-46, Jov 7-11, LJ (V-19-21), J (7-16,17), I (2.4.1).

Comment: Lovely natural patina and toning with most letters visible. On the obverse sword seems short and there are very visible pillows on each side of the low back throne. On the reverse Christ face and image is smaller then most examples about the same size as the kings head. Very rare and interesting moneyer mark on the right side on the obverse just above the handle of the sword that looks like letter Ф but is most likely Greek letter Phi (uppercase Φ, lowercase φ or ϕ). Also instead of MONETA there is MOMETA and kings name STEFANI there is unique and unpublished STEFAMI spelling possibly due to moneyers mistake, swapping letter N for M.

Only 35 registered examples.

It is debatable and not all experts will agree but it is possible that once King Dragutin abdicated and gave ruling of Serbia into the hands of his brother Milutin and continues ruling only Sermia region, he stops using crowned images of himself and therefore all coins made featuring bareheaded king are Sermia (Srem) types and belong to 1282-1316 period. This is one of those examples.

King Stefan Dragutin (1276-1282 and Srem 1282-1316)

Silver "sword" type. 19mm, 1.741g.

Obverse: Bare-headed king is sitting on the throne holding scepter and a sword across his lap. Latin legend: MONETA RE GIS STEFANI (MONEY OF KING STEFAN) around.

Reference: D 12 43-46, Jov 7-11, LJ (V-19-21), J (7-16,17), I (2.4.1).

Comment: Lovely natural patina with all letters visible. Same type as below #DRA12 but with differences. Kings head as well as the head of Jesus is wide and large, considerably bigger in size and hair seems flat and very similar. Both having short beard and king appear to have long mustache. Very nice example, very well struck with all details present.

King Stefan Dragutin (1276-1282 and Srem 1282-1316)

Silver "sword" type. 20mm, 1.434g.

Obverse: Bare-headed king is sitting on the throne holding scepter and a sword across his lap. Latin legend: MONETA RE GIS STEFANI (MONEY OF KING STEFAN) around.

Reference: D 12 43-46, Jov 7-11, LJ (V-19-21), J (7-16,17), I (2.4.1).

Comment: Lovely natural dark black/brown patina with all letters visible. Very similar to example below attire seams different as well as sword especially of the handle, it appears hollow. His right knee also appears thicker. On the reverse Christ face is smaller with short beard and long hair.

Only 35 registered examples.

King Stefan Dragutin (1276-1282 and Srem 1282-1316)

Silver "sword" type. 20mm, 1.839g.

Obverse: Bare-headed king is sitting on the throne holding scepter and a sword across his lap. Latin legend: MONETA RE GIS STEFANI (MONEY OF KING STEFAN) around.

Reference: D 12 43-46, Jov 7-11, LJ (V-19-21), J (7-16,17), I (2.4.1).

Comment: Lovely natural patina with all letters visible. On the obverse kings head, hair and attire seams different as well as sword especially handle guard, it appears thicker. His right knee also appears thicker. On the reverse Christ face and beard seams different and attire has small differences. This makes us conclude that it has been simply made from a different die by the same or a different moneyer.

Only 35 registered examples.

King Stefan Dragutin (1276-1282 and Srem 1282-1316)

Silver "sword" type. 20mm, 1.718g.

Obverse: Bare-headed king is sitting on the throne holding scepter and a sword across his lap. Latin legend: MONETA RE GIS STEFANI (MONEY OF KING STEFAN) around.

Reference: D 12 42, 47-49, Jov 7-11, LJ (V-19-21), J (7-16,17), I (2.4.1).

Comment: Lovely patina and toning with a bit of damage and missing letters. Still great and very rare example. Sword is featured with a sharp tip where on most examples tip is square. Throne pillows are visible but there are no visible moneyer marks.

Only 35 registered examples.

King Stefan Dragutin (1276-1282 and Srem 1282-1316)

Copper "sword" type. 19mm, 1.481g.

Obverse: Bare-headed king is sitting on the throne holding scepter and a sword across his lap. Latin Legend: MONETA RE GIS STEFANI (MONEY OF KING STEFAN) around.

Reverse: Christ enthroned, facing, holding book of gospels decorated with 4 gems. Greek letters: IC XC (In Greek: Ιησούς Χριστός - Jesus Christ) above. 4 triple dotted pellets around the throne.

Reference: Unpublished compare to D 12 42, 47-49, Jov 7-11, LJ (V-19-21), J (7-16,17), I (2.4.1).

Comment: This coin is same type as 3 silver coins above but it is made of copper. It is possible that it was made of copper and then silver plated in order to save on expensive silver material. There are some traces of silver but most of it has worn off over the centuries.

King Stefan Dragutin ( 1276-1282 and Srem 1282-1316)

Silver "lily and globes" type. 20mm, 1.909g.

Obverse: King sitting on thelow-back throne, holding lily-tipped scepter with a dot in the middle and a globus with double cross. Latin legend: STEFAN REX (STEFAN KING) around.

Reverse: Christ enthroned, holding book of gospels decorated with 5 gems. Greek letters: IC XC (In Greek: Ιησούς Χριστός - Jesus Christ) above. 4 triple dotted pellets around the throne. Lilies with a dot in the middle on each side. 3 circles inside halo.

Reference: D 11 40, 41.

Comment: Lovely example with clear visible legend and images. Some damage. There is a x at the end of kings necklace and 2 visible x on the kings belt. Only Dimitrijevic has published this example with a dot in the middle of each lily on the obverse.

Only 8 registered examples.

King Stefan Dragutin (1276-1282 and Srem 1282-1316)

Silver "lily and globus" type. 19mm, 2.342g

Obverse: King sitting on low-back throne, holding lily-tipped scepter and a globus with double cross. Latin legend: STEFAN REX (STEFAN KING) around.

Reference: Jov 7 9.1, J 7 14, D 11 38, 39, Ljubic 1875 Stefan Dragutin VII, T. VI.4, LJ (VI-4), I (2.3).

Comment: Lovely example with clear visible legend and images. Unlike example above which has 3 circles inside halo this type has 3 x inside halo. There is another type with empty halo.

Only 8 registered examples.

King Stefan Dragutin (1276-1282 and Srem 1282-1316)

Silver "scepter" type. 21mm, 1.141g.

Obverse: Dragutin standing with a prominent smile, long beard and a long hair, holding large cross tipped scepter. Serbian Cyrillic legend: СТЕФАN РАБb XUH (STEFAN THE SERVANT OF CHRIST) around. 2 flowers at the bottom to the sides.

Reverse: Christ enthroned, holding book of gospels decorated with 5 gems. Greek letters: IC XC (In Greek: Ιησούς Χριστός - Jesus Christ) above. 4 triple dotted pellets around the throne.

Reference: Compare to D 13/1 51 and 54, J 6 2.1, Jov 64.1, LJ (III-13,14,16,19).

Comment: Another Cyrillic issue of Dragutin and legend without royal references which are usually associated with the post-abdication period so after 1282. Also there is no 4 triple dotted pellets before and after kings name and before and after his title. It is not known why there is a letter H at the end of description. Nice patina.

Only 24 registered variant examples.

King Stefan Dragutin (1276-1282 and Srem 1282-1316)

Silver "scepter" type. 21mm, 1.468g.

Obverse: Dragutin standing with a prominent smile, long beard and a long hair, holding large cross tipped scepter. Serbian Cyrillic legend: СТЕФАN РАБb XUИ (STEFAN THE SERVANT OF CHRIST) around. 2 flowers at the bottom to the sides.

Reverse: Christ enthroned, holding book of gospels decorated with 5 gems. Greek letters: IC XC (In Greek: Ιησούς Χριστός - Jesus Christ) above. 4 triple dotted pellets around the throne.

Reference: Compare to D 13/1 51 and 54, J 6 2.1, Jov 6-4.1, LJ (III-13,14,16,19).

Comment: Another Cyrillic issue of Dragutin and legend without royal references which are usually associated with the post-abdication period so after 1282. Different image of the king from above with larger head and raised hands. Also there is no 4 triple dotted pellets before and after kings name and before and after his title. It is not known why there is a letter И at the end of description. Nice patina, cracked.

Only 24 registered variant examples.

King Stefan Dragutin Nemanjic (1276-1282)

Silver "double cross" type. 20mm, 2.202g.

Obverse: Bareheaded king receiving banner from saint Stefan who is holding book of gospels decorated with 5 gems. Latin legend: • STEFAN R E X S : STEFAN (STEFAN KING SAINT STEFAN) around. Sigla "+" on the kings chest and on the saints left arm. King is wearing long attire folded over his feet.

Reference: Jov 6 1.1, D 9 31-36, J 6 3.1, LJ V-7, I (2.2).

Comment: This very rare and unique type of the regular Serbian coinage has title REX separated and spread over with R at the top of the double cross, E in the middle just under kings arm and X at the very bottom. First S on the right side is tilted, standing upright and separated by two dots.

In 1974 in the place called Tetovo (today North Macedonia) a hoard of 4500 coins was found. It included 225 (5%) of Serbian medieval coins, of which 57 are known. 51 was purchased by V. Jovanovic for Peoples Museum in Belgrade and 6 were sold in London by Italo Vecci auction house 1-2 February 1996 lot 1594-1599.

As whereabouts of remaining 168 Serbian medieval coins from this hoard are unknown we can presume that they were sold privately. This coin surely comes from this well known and significant Tetovo hoard, and not only that, but it was minted in the same mold as the coin sold in London, lot 1595!

It is obvious that it is not the same coin, you can see that by the face of the saint and the bulge on the bottom on the obverse on the auction example. The same large bulge on the left side on the reverse and the same position of the letters and the faces of the king, saint and Jesus, on both coins, are clear indications that it is minted in the same mold. Please see picture above.

It is very possible that this coin is the one of those 168 missing since 1974!

This type was published by Jovanović, reference Jov 6 1.1, but on the reverse of two published examples the cross inside the halo is represented by 2 lines not 3. Dimitrijević also published this type, reference D 9 31-36, but on the reverse of all six published examples the cross inside the halo is also represented by 2 lines not 3.

So for now, the coin from the 1996 London auction, lot 1595 and this coin are the only two known coins of this type with the representation of a 3-line cross inside halo behind Jesus head.

The combination of a separated title, the representation of a cross with 3 lines inside halo and the connection to the famous Tetovo hoard makes this coin very rare and valuable.

King Stefan Dragutin (1276-1282 and Srem 1282-1316)

Silver "double cross" type. 21mm, 2.150g.

Obverse: Bareheaded king receiving banner from saint Stefan who is holding book of gospels decorated with 5 gems. Latin legend STEFAN R E X S STEFAN (STEFAN KING SAINT STEFAN) around. Sigla "+" on the kings chest and on the saints left arm. King is wearing long attire folded over his feet.

Reference: D 9 36, compare to Jov 6 3.1, J 5, LJ V-7, I (2.2.1).

Comment: This extremely rare and beautiful, unique type of a earliest regular Serbian coinage has title REX separated and spread over with R at the top of the flag shaft, E in the middle just under kings arm and X at the very bottom. First S on the right side is tilted, standing upright.

2 letters are decorative. Letter A on kings and saints name and letter E on kings title REX. It looks more like Greek Sigma in the lowercase word-final position form (uppercase Σ, lowercase σ, lowercase in word-final position ς), the eighteenth letter of the Greek alphabet. Comparing it to a second letter E found in saints name STEFAN it looks like Sigma with a half circle line underneath it. Very interesting design and representation of Latin letter E.

King Stefan Dragutin (1276-1282 and Srem 1282-1316)

Silver "double cross" type. 20mm, 2.133g.

Obverse: Bareheaded king receiving banner from saint Stefan (nimbate), holding book of gospels decorated with 5 gems. Latin legend STEFAN R E X S STEFAN (STEFAN KING SAINT STEFAN) around. Sigla "+" on the kings chest and on the saints left arm. King is wearing long attire folded over his feet.

Reverse: Christ enthroned, holding book of gospels decorated with 5 gems. Greek letters: IC XC (In Greek: Ιησούς Χριστός - Jesus Christ) above. 4 triple dotted pellets around the throne.

Reference: D 9 31-36, Jov 6 3.1, J 5, LJ V-7, I (2.2.1).

Comment: This rare and unique type of a earliest regular Serbian coinage just like example above, has title REX separated and spread over with R at the top, E in the middle and X at the very bottom. First S on the right is also tilted, standing upright. On some examples double cross has been found erased and replaced with a flag pointing out to the existence of the opposition to double cross being used which symbolized state political and religious independence.

King Stefan Dragutin ( 1276-1282 and Srem 1282-1316)

Silver "banner" Syrmia (Srem) type. 20mm, 1.527g.

Obverse: King receiving banner from saint Stefan (nimbate), holding book of gospels. Latin legend: STEFAII REX SSTEFAII (STEFAN KING SAINT STEFAN) around. -+ joined together on the flag of the banner.

Reverse: Christ enthroned, holding book of gospels decorated with 5 gems. Greek letters: IC XC (In Greek: Ιησούς Χριστός - Jesus Christ) above. 4 triple dotted pellets around the throne.

Reference: D 7 11, 12, 14-17, 19-21, Maric T XIII 7/8, I (2.1.2), Lj V-15, Jov 7 1.1, 2.1-2.4.

Comment: Very rare and very well preserved Srem type variant with lovely brown patina and toning. Time of the minting is 1284-1316. No VS at the end of kings or saints name. Unusually large head of Jesus on the reverse with beard, mustache and a long hair.

King Stefan Dragutin (1276-1282 and Srem 1282-1316)

Silver "banner" type. 20mm, 2.000g.

Obverse: King receiving banner from saint Stefan (nimbate), holding book of gospels. Latin legend STEFAN REX STEFAN (STEFAN KING STEFAN) around. X on the flag of the banner and on the saints left arm.

Reverse: Christ enthroned, holding book of gospels decorated with 5 gems. Greek letters: IC XC (In Greek: Ιησούς Χριστός - Jesus Christ) above. 4 triple dotted pellets around the throne.

Reference: D 7 11, 12, 14-17, 19-21, Maric T XIII 7/8, I (2.1.2), Lj V-15, Jov 7 1.1, 2.1-2.4.

Comment: Very rare variant with lovely yellow/brown patina and no VS at the end of kings name nor there is S for saint on the right side.

On the flag is actually Andrew's Cross or the crux decussata, it is a heraldic symbol in the form of a diagonal cross, like the shape of the letter X in Roman type.

King Stefan Dragutin (1276-1282 and Srem 1282-1316)

Silver "banner" type. 20mm, 1.463g.

Obverse: King receiving banner from saint Stefan (nimbate), holding book of gospels decorated with 5 gems. Latin legend: STEFΛII REX S STEFΛII (STEFAN KING SAINT STEFAN) around.

Reverse: Christ enthroned, holding book of gospels decorated with 5 gems. Greek letters: IC XC (In Greek: Ιησούς Χριστός - Jesus Christ) above. 4 triple dotted pellets around the throne.

Reference: Maric T XIII 7/8, I (2.1.2)

Comment: Similar issue to his father Uros I and his brother Milutin. Some damage but faces very well preserved.

King Stefan Dragutin (1276-1282 and Srem 1282-1316)

Silver "banner" type. 20mm, 2.007g.

Obverse: King receiving banner from saint Stefan (nimbate), holding book of gospels decorated with 5 gems. Latin legend: STEFΛII REX S STEFΛII (STEFAN KING SAINT STEFAN) around.

Reverse: Christ enthroned, holding book of gospels decorated with 5 gems. Greek letters: IC XC (In Greek: Ιησούς Χριστός - Jesus Christ) above. 4 triple dotted pellets around the throne.

Reference: Maric T XIII 7/8, I (2.1.2)

Comment: Very nice example with decorative letters with extending lines. Very unusual face of the saint with big fat lips.

2 moneyer marks that look like a small fish. 1 next to Jesus foot and 1 above, both within the throne.

King Stefan Dragutin (1276-1282 and Srem 1282-1316)

Silver "banner" type. 19mm, 1.580g.

Obverse: King receiving banner from saint Stefan (nimbate), holding book of gospels decorated with 5 gems. Latin legend: STEFΛII REX STEFΛII (STEFAN KING STEFAN) around.

Reverse: Christ enthroned, holding book of gospels decorated with 5 gems. Greek letters: IC XC (In Greek: Ιησούς Χριστός - Jesus Christ) above. 4 triple dotted pellets around the throne.

Reference: Maric T XIII 7/8, I (2.1.2)

Comment: Very nice example with decorative letters with extending lines. Again very unusual face of the saint he looks almost surprised.

No moneyer marks next to Jesus foot or above, within the throne.

King Stefan Dragutin (1276-1282 and Srem 1282-1316)

Silver "banner" type. 20mm, 1.876g.

Obverse: King receiving banner from saint Stefan (nimbate), holding book of gospels decorated with 5 gems. Latin legend: STEFΛII REX S STEFΛII (STEFAN KING SAINT STEFAN) around.

Reverse: Christ enthroned, holding book of gospels decorated with 5 gems. Greek letters: IC XC (In Greek: Ιησούς Χριστός - Jesus Christ) above. 4 triple dotted pellets around the throne.

Reference: Maric T XIII 7/8, I (2.1.2)

Comment: Very nice example with decorative letters. There is a line next to Jesus right foot.

King Stefan Dragutin (1276-1282 and Srem 1282-1316)

Silver "banner" type. 20mm, 1.605g.

Obverse: King receiving banner from saint Stefan (nimbate), holding book of gospels. Latin legend STEFANVS REX SSTEFAN (STEFAN KING SAINT STEFAN) around. Xon the flag of the banner and on the saints left arm.

Reverse: Christ enthroned, holding book of gospels decorated with 5 gems. Greek letters: IC XC (In Greek: Ιησούς Χριστός - Jesus Christ) above. 4 triple dotted pellets around the throne.

Reference: Unpublished compare to D 7 11, 12, 14-17, 19-21, Maric T XIII 7/8, I (2.1.2), Lj V-15, Jov 7 1.1, 2.1-2.4.

Comment: Very rare variant with lovely brown/green patina and VS at the end of kings name. Only one other example know to exist but with + on the flag of the banner not x like our example. References above D 7 11, 12, 14-17, 19-21, Lj V-15 and Jov 7 1.1 indicate that there are 53 registered examples with a V at the end of kings name, notice not VS. Jovanovic put it under king Uros I. Other references above list examples without V or VS. Dimitrijevic even lists issues with II or even III but not VS all under king Dragutin.

On the flag is actually Andrew's Cross or the crux decussata, it is a heraldic symbol in the form of a diagonal cross, like the shape of the letter X in Roman type.

King Stefan Dragutin (1276-1282 and Srem 1282-1316)

Silver "banner" type. 20mm, 1.768g.

Obverse: King receiving banner from saint Stefan (nimbate), holding book of gospels decorated with 5 gems. Latin legend: STEFΛII REX S STEFΛII (STEFAN KING SAINT STEFAN) around.

Reverse: Christ enthroned, holding book of gospels decorated with 5 gems. Greek letters: IC XC (In Greek: Ιησούς Χριστός - Jesus Christ) above. 4 triple dotted pellets around the throne.

Reference: Maric T XIII 7/8, I (2.1.2)

Comment: Similar issue to his father Uros I and his brother Milutin. X and C initials on the obverse are separated a lot and there is unusual line on the corner of the throne.

King Stefan Dragutin (1276-1282 and Srem 1282-1316)

Silver "banner" type. 20mm, 1.508g.

Obverse: King receiving banner from saint Stefan (nimbate), holding book of gospels decorated with 5 gems. Latin legend: STEFΛIIS REX S STEFΛII (STEFAN KING SAINT STEFAN) around.

Reverse: Christ enthroned, holding book of gospels decorated with 5 gems. Greek letters: IC XC (In Greek: Ιησούς Χριστός - Jesus Christ) above. 4 triple dotted pellets around the throne.

Reference: Maric T XIII 7/8, I (2.1.2)

Comment: Similar issue to his father Uros I and his brother Milutin. Differences are mainly in weight and quality of silver.

King Stefan Dragutin (1276-1282 and Srem 1282-1316)

Silver "banner" type. 19mm, 1.074g.

Obverse: King receiving banner from saint Stefan, holding book of gospels decorated with 5 gems. Latin legend: SVTIΛRSVS RCX VCSICRV (STEFAN KING UROS) around. + on the flag of the banner.

Reverse: Christ enthroned, holding book of gospels decorated with 5 gems. Greek letters: IC XC (In Greek: Ιησούς Χριστός - Jesus Christ) above. 4 triple dotted pellets around the throne.

Reference: Unpublished.

Comment: Very rare contemporary counterfeit with lovely patina and toning. Legend is not very clear but it looks like its meant to be standing for STEFAN KING UROS. That means that was either issued in 1276 to imitate joint minting of father and son king Uros I and king Stefan Dragutin or in 1282 to imitate joint minting of 2 brothers king Stefan Dragutin and king Stefan Uros II Milutin. in either case its interesting and very rare coin.

King Stefan Dragutin (1276-1282 and Srem 1282-1316)

Silver "banner" type. 20mm, 1.337g.

Obverse: King receiving banner from saint Stefan (nimbate), holding book of gospels. Latin legend: STEFΛN REX STEFΛN (STEFAN KING STEFAN) around. x on the flag of the banner.

Reverse: Christ enthroned, holding book of gospels decorated with 5 gems. Greek letters: IC XC (In Greek: Ιησούς Χριστός - Jesus Christ) above. 4 triple dotted pellets around the throne.

Reference: D 7 11, 12, 14-17, 19-21, Maric T XIII 7/8, I (2.1.2), Lj V-15, Jov 7 1.1, 2.1-2.4.

Comment: Very rare variant with lovely brown patina and toning. Some letters are not very visible. No VS at the end of kings or saints name with missing S as well, usually is SS on the right side. Unusually wide jaw of Jesus on the reverse with a flat long hair.

King Stefan Dragutin (1276-1282 and Srem 1282-1316)

Silver "banner" type. 20mm, 1.538g.

Obverse: King receiving banner from saint Stefan (nimbate), holding book of gospels. Latin legend: STEFΛII` REX SSTEFΛII (STEFAN KING STEFAN) around. x on the flag of the banner.

Reverse: Christ enthroned, holding book of gospels decorated with 5 gems. Greek letters: IC XC (In Greek: Ιησούς Χριστός - Jesus Christ) above. 4 triple dotted pellets around the throne.

Reference: D 7 11, 12, 14-17, 19-21, Maric T XIII 7/8, I (2.1.2), Lj V-15, Jov 7 1.1, 2.1-2.4.

Comment: Very rare variant with lovely brown patina and toning. No VS at the end of kings or saints name. Unusually wide mustache of Jesus and a long tie up hair.

King Stefan Dragutin (1276-1282 and Srem 1282-1316)

Silver "banner" type.

Obverse: King receiving banner from saint Stefan (nimbate), holding book of gospels. Latin legend: STEFAN` REX SSTEFAN (STEFAN KING STEFAN) around. x on the flag of the banner.

Reverse: Christ enthroned, holding book of gospels decorated with 5 gems. Greek letters: IC XC (In Greek: Ιησούς Χριστός - Jesus Christ) above. 4 triple dotted pellets around the throne.

Reference: D 7 11, 12, 14-17, 19-21, Maric T XIII 7/8, I (2.1.2), Lj V-15, Jov 7 1.1, 2.1-2.4.

Comment: Very rare variant with lovely brown patina and toning. Also no VS at the end of kings or saints name.

King Stefan Dragutin (1276-1282 and Srem 1282-1316)

Silver "banner" type.

Obverse: King receiving banner from saint Stefan (nimbate), holding book of gospels decorated with 5 gems. Latin legend STEFΛN REX STEFΛN (STEFAN KING STEFAN) around. Sigla "+" at the bottom of the shaft and sigla "+" on the saints both arms.

Reverse: Christ enthroned, holding book of gospels decorated with 5 gems. Greek letters: IC XC (In Greek: Ιησούς Χριστός - Jesus Christ) above. 4 triple dotted pellets around the throne.

Reference: Maric T XIII 7/8, I (2.1.2).

Comment: No S that usually stands for saint in front of the name on the right side. Similar issue to his father Uros I with a difference of twice added sigla "+". Funny enough saint has much larger ears.

King Stefan Dragutin (1276-1282 and Srem 1282-1316)

Silver "banner" type. 20mm, 1.767g.

Reverse: Christ enthroned, holding book of gospels decorated with 5 gems. Greek letters: IC XC (In Greek: Ιησούς Χριστός - Jesus Christ) above. 4 triple dotted pellets around the throne.

Reference: Maric T XIII 7/8, I (2.1.2).

King Stefan Dragutin (1276-1282 and Srem 1282-1316)

Silver "banner" type. 20mm, 1.760g.

Obverse: King receiving banner from saint Stefan (nimbate), holding book of gospels decorated with 5 gems. Latin legend STEFΛN REX STEFΛN (STEFAN KING STEFAN) around. Sigla "*" on the saints left arm.

Reverse: Christ enthroned, holding book of gospels decorated with 5 gems. Greek letters: IC XC (In Greek: Ιησούς Χριστός - Jesus Christ) above. 4 triple dotted pellets around the throne.

Reference: Maric T XIII 7/8, I (2.1.2).

Comment: No S that usually stands for saint in front of the name on the right side. Similar issue to his father Uros I with a difference of added sigla "*"

King Stefan Dragutin ( 1276-1282 and Srem 1282-1316)

Silver "banner" type. 20mm, 1.978g.

Obverse: King receiving banner from saint Stefan (nimbate), holding book of gospels decorated with 5 gems. Latin legend STEFΛN REX STEFΛN (STEFAN KING STEFAN) around. Sigla "x" on the saints left arm.

Reverse: Christ enthroned, holding book of gospels decorated with 5 gems. Greek letters: IC XC (In Greek: Ιησούς Χριστός - Jesus Christ) above. 4 triple dotted pellets around the throne.

Reference: Maric T XIII 7/8, I (2.1.2).

Comment: No S that usually stands for saint in front of the name on the right side. Similar issue to his father Uros I with a difference of added sigla "x"

King Stefan Dragutin (1276-1282 and Srem 1282-1316)

Silver "lily-and-cross" coin, 2.2g

Obverse: King on low-back throne, holding lily-tipped scepter and globus with double cross, Latin legend STEFAN REX ("Stefan King").

Reference: LJubic 1875 Stefan Dragutin VII, T. VI.4, Jov 7-14, J 10, LJ (VI-4), I (2.3).

Comment: Born around 1244, died on March 12th 1316 and buried in Djurdjevi Stupovi. This type has been attributed to Dragutin and his brother Milutin but it is possible that both brothers used same design. Dragutin used legend STEFAN REX where Milutin used VROSIUS REX. Both examples are on sale and available for comparison. We will call this crown branched crown type 3.

King Stefan Dragutin (1276-1282 and Srem 1282-1316)

Silver Rudnik dinar, 2.2g

Obverse: Dragutin standing with scepter, Serbian Cyrillic legend +СТЕФАN+ +РАБb XCNU (Stefan, Servant of Christ)

Reference: J 8, Jov 6-4.1, LJ (III-13,14,16,19), I (2.5)

King Dragutin is pictured above on the second line of large images far left. His brother Milutin is in the middle. On his left up is Urošic (1285-1316) who was a Serbian prince and Orthodox monk. He was the youngest son of Stefan Dragutin. On his right is his eldest son Vladislav II (1280–1326) who was the King of Syrmia or Srem from 1316 to 1325, and claimant to the Serbian Kingdom. Above her brother Stefan Vladislav II, is Elizabeth of Serbia (or Jelisaveta, 1270-1331) who was Baness of Bosnia by her marriage to Stefan I Kotromanic, Ban of Bosnia. Elizabeth briefly ruled as regent for her eldest son, Stefan II Kotromanic, in 1314. Her mother was Catherine of Hungary, the second daughter of Stephen V of Hungary and his wife Queen Elizabeth, daughter of Seyhan, chieftain of the Cumans.

Serbian medieval coins

Српски средњовековни новац

Detail of the fresco "Nemanjic Family Tree" from the Serbian orthodox monastery Visoki Decani, Kosovo and Metohija, Republic of Serbia, 14th century.

Detail of the fresco "Nemanjic Family Tree" from the Serbian orthodox monastery The Patriarchate of Pec, Kosovo and Metohija, Republic of Serbia, 14th century.