Serbian Medieval Coins

King Stefan Uros III Decanski (1321-1331)

Silver "sword" type. 22mm, 1.803g

Obverse: Crowned king seating on a low-back throne, holding cross tipped scepter in his right hand and a sword with his left hand over his lap. Letter И between kings feet in the middle of the throne. Serbian Cyrillic description: CTEФ ANb OUРOШb КР A TРETН (SТEFAN UROS KING THE THIRD) around.

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

Reference: Ш III/220, T. IV/39, LJ vrsta jedina/b br18, D 33/1 46,47.

Comment: Very beautiful and large type, one of the largest in Serbian numismatics, just over 22mm. Very nice portrayal of the king with lovely patina and detail.

King Stefan Uros III Decanski (1321-1331)

Silver "sword" type. 21mm, 2.105g.

Obverse: Crowned king seating on a low-back throne, holding cross-tipped scepter and a sword over lap, 4 round pellets or circles below his feet, more elaborate crown. Cyrillic legend: CTEФANb O UРOШb КРА TРETH (SТEFAN UROS KING THE THIRD) around. Prominent long hair and a long pointy beard, wearing a full body armor.

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

Reference: Jov 10-1, LJ (VI-15), I (5.2), Ш/221, T IV/42, D 33 44.

Comment: This is the only type from the Nemanjic royal period where kings full name "King Stefan Uros the Third" is accurately portrayed. There are various variants with letters in various places and all together there are total of 70 registered examples. See more examples below. From word TRETH letters TRE is on the right side with E being over the corner of the throne and letters TH continue on the left side. Kings name starts on the left side around 8 o'clock mark.

King Stefan Uros III Decanski (1321-1331)

Silver "sword" type. 20m, 1.518g.

Obverse: Crowned King on low-back throne, holding cross-scepter and sword over lap, 4 pellets below, more elaborate crown, unclear Cyrillic legend around but it possibly reads RE UROSI NO RGAN IP (KING UROS SILVER), 4 circles at the bottom of his feet.

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

Reference: D 33/5 66 compare to Maric 1956 T X 5, J 29, Jov 10-1, LJ (VI-1-3), I (6.2).

Comment: Unusual and a bit of a puzzle but very interesting type, uneven double strike. Unclear legend with reversed letters and a Latin instead of Serbian inscription. RGAN inscription remind us of Prince Lazar coins with NOVO MONTE ARGAN legend meaning SILVER OF NOVO BRDO OR NEW MOUNTAIN a place in Serbia where silver was dag from the mines and used to mint coins. Only published by Dimitrijevic, please see picture below.

King Stefan Uros III Decanski (1321-1331)

Silver "sword" type. 21mm, 1.837g.

Obverse: Crowned king seating on a low-back throne, holding cross-tipped scepter and a sword over lap wearing a full body armor. 4 round pellets or circles below his feet, more elaborate crown. Cyrillic legend: CTE ФANb OUРOШb K РА TРETH (SТEFAN UROS KING THE THIRD) around. Prominent long hair falling on his shoulders and a long pointy beard. 4 circles at the bottom of 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 pellets around the throne. Unclear siglas. Holed.

Reference: Similar to D 33/1 46, 47. Compare to Jov 10-1, LJ (VI-15), I (5.2), Ш/221, T IV/42.

Comment: Only difference from D 33/1 46, 47 is that letter Ф starts on the right side of the kings head. This is the only type from the Nemanjic royal period where kings full name "King Stefan Uros the Third" is accurately portrayed. There are various variants with letters in various places and all together there are total of 70 registered examples. Letters K and P are printed over the left corner of the throne. King is featured with a big smile and his name starts on the left side around 11 o'clock mark. In addition to differently arranged letters, it appears that hair, beard and a crown are different from the example above. Its also larger in size and kings image is larger.

King Stefan Uros III Decanski (1321-1331)

Silver "sword" type. 21mm, 1.951g.

Obverse: Crowned king seating on a low-back throne, holding cross-tipped scepter and a sword over lap. Cyrillic legend: CTEФ ANb OUРOШb КР A TРETH (SТEFAN UROS KING THE THIRD) around. Prominent long hair and a long pointy beard, wearing a full body armor.

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

Reference: Jov 10-1, LJ (VI-15), I (5.2), Ш/221, T IV/42, D 33 44.

Comment: This is the only type from the Nemanjic royal period where kings full name "King Stefan Uros the Third" is accurately portrayed. There are various variants with letters in various places and all together there are total of 70 registered examples.

Kings name starts on the left side around 8 o'clock mark.

King Stefan Uros III Decanski (1321-1331)

Silver "sword" type. 20mm, 1.432g.

Obverse: Crowned king seating on a low-back throne, holding cross-tipped scepter and a sword over lap. Cyrillic legend: CTEФANb O UРOШb КРА TРET H (SТEFAN UROS KING THE THIRD) around. Prominent long hair and a long pointy beard, wearing a full body armor.

Reference: Jov 10-1, LJ (VI-15), I (5.2), Ш/221, T IV/42, D 33 44.

Comment: This is the only type from the Nemanjic royal period where kings full name "King Stefan Uros the Third" is accurately portrayed. There are various variants with letters in various places and all together there are total of 70 registered examples. See another example below #DEC4. Letter H is on the left side just before the C printed over the corner of the throne. In fact letters PET and HC are all printed over the corners of the throne. Kings name starts on the left side around 8 o'clock mark.

King Stefan Uros III Decanski (1321-1331)

Silver "sword" type. 21mm, 2.087g.

Reference: Similar to D 33/1 46, 47. Compare to Jov 10-1, LJ (VI-15), I (5.2), Ш/221, T IV/42.

King Stefan Uros III Decanski (1321-1331)

Silver "sword" type. 21mm, 2.196g.

Obverse: Crowned king seating on a low-back throne, holding cross-scepter and a sword over lap, 4 pellets below, more elaborate crown. Cyrillic Legend: CTEФ ANb OUРOШb КР A TРETН (SТEFAN UROS KING THE THIRD) around.

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

Reference: Ш III/220, T. IV/39, LJ vrsta jedina/b br18, D 33/1 46,47.

Comment: Unusual type, with very specific ruler name "King Stefan Uros the Third", 3rd after his grandfather Uros I and his father Uros II Milutin. King is depicted with a long hair, beard and a huge smile on his face, wearing a full body armor. Kings name starts on the left side around 10 o'clock mark.

King Stefan Uros III Decanski (1321-1331)

Silver "sword" type. 21mm, 2.218g.

Reference: Ш III/220, T. IV/39, LJ vrsta jedina/b br18, D 33/1 46,47.

King Stefan Uros III Decanski (1321-1331)

Silver "double cross" type. 20mm, 1.473g.

Obverse: Crowned king receiving patriarchal double cross from saint Stefan (nimbate), holding book of gospels decorated with 5 gems. Latin legend: VROSIVS REX SSTEFAN (UROS KING SAINT STEFAN) around. Control letters at the bottom of the shaft large N on the left and a small o 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. Siglas P on the left and a unusual R on the right side. 4 triple pellets around the throne. Small dot under left elbow.

Reference: J 10 6.3, D 32/20 35, Ш III/208, T. II/15, Maric 1956 T XIV 7.

Comment: Same type as example below #DEC6 but with standard description with only E reversed on REX but pointing to the left. Saint name is not missing S with capitol A being used not low case a. Crown seams taller and more decorative. Christ throne has slightly arched top which is normally straight or flat. 58 registered variant examples.

King Stefan Uros III Decanski (1321-1331)

Silver "double cross" type. 20mm, 1.711g

Obverse: Crowned king standing on the left and holding with his right hand patriarchal double cross with saint Stefan who is standing on the right and holding book of gospels decorated with 5 gems. Latin description: VROSIVS RE+ STEFAN (UROS KING STEFAN) around. Moneyer mark at the bottom of the shaft on the right: Large S.

Reverse: Christ sitting on the throne and holding book of gospels decorated with 5 gems. 4 triple pellets around the throne. Greek initials above: I+ +Ↄ (IC XC - In Greek: Ιησούς Χριστός - Jesus Christ). Moneyer marks to the sides: M - B.

Reference: J 10 6.3, D 32/6 10, Ш III/208, T. II/15, Maric 1956 T XIV 7.

Comment: Lovely condition and patina. Its very interesting to compare it with the coin below.

As you can see differences are in description and in moneyer marks. This coin has usual description but coin below has reversed V showing as Λ. Moneyer marks are reversed too, reversed Ƨ on the obverse and reversed ᗺ on the reverse. Even E on the REX title is reversed pointing upwards. Saint name is missing S that usually stands for “saint” on both coins. Name STEFAN is misspelled, spelling STEFΛII on the coin below. Even initials that stand for Jesus Christ are misspelled on both coins. It should be IC XC but it’s I+ +Ↄ and CX XI.

I find it hard to believe that moneyer would do this on purpose. This coin is most likely minted by experienced and well educated moneyer. But coin below Is most likely minted by a trainee, a inexperienced moneyer, someone who was still learning this so important trade in the medieval Serbia.

58 registered variant examples.

King Stefan Uros III Decanski (1321-1331)

Silver "double cross" type. 20mm, 1.982g.

Obverse: Crowned king standing on the left and holding with his right hand patriarchal double cross with saint Stefan who is standing on the right and holding book of gospels decorated with 5 gems. Latin description: ΛROSIΛS REX STEFΛII (UROS KING, STEFAN) around. A letter at the bottom of the shaft on the right, large reversed S.

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

Reference: J 10 6.3, D 32/6 10, Ш III/208, T. II/15, Maric 1956 T XIV 7.

Comment: 2nd crown as 2 examples above. Interesting description with reversed V showing as Λ standing for U and reversed ᗺ on the reverse. Even E on REX is reversed pointing downwards. Saint name is missing second S and STEFAN is miss-spelled. Kings left hand is not visible. 58 registered variant examples.

King Stefan Uros III Decanski (1321-1331)

Silver "double cross" type. 20mm, 1.688g.

Obverse: Crowned king standing on the left and holding with his both hands patriarchal double cross with saint Stefan who is standing on the right and holding book of gospels decorated with 5 gems. Latin description: VROSIV RE+ SSTEFΛII (UROS KING SAINT STEFAN) around. Two letters at the bottom of the shaft, O and P.

Reverse: Christ seating on the throne and holding book of gospels decorated with gems. Greek letters: IC XC (In Greek: Ιησούς Χριστός - Jesus Christ) above. Siglas revers S - R outside throne and O - O inside the throne. 4 triple pellets around the throne.

Reference: Unpublished variant compare to J 10 6.3 and D 32/6 10.

Comment: Very rare variant with very interesting choice of letters. R looks like O, O has a line on the right side, X looks like + in the kings title REX and on the obverse in the reference to Jesus, IC XC and F looks like small letter n. Also very rare occurrence of letters inside the throne on the obverse.

Interesting large kings left hand.

King Stefan Uros III Decanski (1321-1331)

Silver "double cross" type. 20mm, 1.598g.

Obverse: Crowned king receiving patriarchal double cross from saint Stefan (nimbate), holding book of gospels decorated with 5 gems. Latin legend: VROSIV REX S STEFAN (UROS 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. Siglas T and a flat Б to the sides. 4 triple pellets around the throne.

Reference: Jov 10 6.1, LJ IV-24, J 10-7, D 32/21 37.

Comment: 5th very tall and prominent crown type. Interesting description with second S missing at the end of kings name where existing S is tilted upwards. X at the end of the REX title and XC on reverse looks more like +. Saint is featured with very large ears. Double cross shaft is very thin in the middle and Christ throne has slightly arched top which is normally straight or flat. 37 registered variant examples.

King Stefan Uros III Decanski (1321-1331)

Silver "double cross" type. 20mm, 1.769g.

Obverse: Crowned king receiving patriarchal double cross from saint Stefan (nimbate), holding book of gospels decorated with 5 gems. Latin legend: VROSIVS REX SSTEFAN (UROS 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. Sigla O to the side. 4 triple pellets around the throne.

Reference: Jov 10 6.1, LJ IV-24, J 10-7, D 32/21 37.

Comment: 5th very tall and prominent crown type. Interesting description with second S present at the end of kings name but both S letters are tilted upwards. X at the end of the REX title and XC on reverse looks more like +. Saint is featured with very large ears. 37 registered variant examples. Reverse is double struck so comically throne looks like is falling apart.

King Stefan Uros III Decanski (1321-1331)

Silver "double cross" type. 20mm, 1.866g.

Reverse: Christ enthroned, holding book of gospels decorated with 5 gems. Greek letters: IC XC (In Greek: Ιησούς Χριστός - Jesus Christ) above. Siglas N and a flat Б to the sides. 4 triple pellets around the throne.

Reference: Jov 10 6.1, LJ IV-24, J 10-7, D 32/21 37.

Comment: 5th crown type but it appears shorter then usual. Interesting description with second S missing at the end of kings name, existing S is not tilted like examples above. X at the end of the REX title and XC on reverse looks more like +.

King Stefan Uros III Decanski (1321-1331)

Silver "double cross" type. 20mm, 1.549g.

Obverse: Crowned king receiving patriarchal double cross from saint Stefan (nimbate), holding book of gospels decorated with 5 gems. Latin legend: VROSIV REX S STEEFAN (UROS 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. Siglas N - C to the sides. 4 triple pellets around the throne. Possibly small s under left elbow.

Reference: Jov 10 6.1, LJ IV-24, J 10-7, D 32/21 37.

Comment: 5th very tall and prominent crown type. Interesting description with second S missing at the end of kings name, existing S is not tilted like examples above. X at the end of the REX title and X at XC on reverse looks more like +. Letter R at the beginning of the title looks more like letter K.And there is a extra letter on the right side that looks like another E. Double cross shaft is thinner in the middle and Christ throne has slightly arched top which is normally straight or flat.

King Stefan Uros III Decanski (1321-1331)

Silver "double cross" type. 22mm, 1.782g.

Obverse: Crowned king, standing or kneeling on the left, holding with his right hand, patriarchal double cross on his own, wearing long, in one piece, attire and saint Stefan (nimbate), standing on the right, holding book of gospels decorated with 5 gems. Latin legend: VROSSI REX S STEFA (UROS 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. Siglas X - N. 4 triple pellets around the throne.

Reference: D 360 1-7, compare to J 10 6.3, D 32/20 35, Ш III/208, T. II/15, Maric 1956 T XIV 7.

Comment: Unpublished and only 1 of 2 known examples with shorten description. Title REX is not clear and it is possible that it might not be present at all. Kings name appears to have two S letters and no V or S at the end and saint name is not missing S but its missing N at the end. All S letters are reversed. Unusual arm is featured probably due to unskilled moneyer, arm should be holding double cross with garment partially hanging over it. Crown seams taller and more decorative. Also worth noticing, kings image is taller and slimmer then saints and it looks like is kneeling like on some Venetian examples.

King Stefan Uros III Decanski (1321-1331)

Silver "double cross" type. 20mm, 1.942g.

Obverse: Crowned king receiving patriarchal cross from saint Stefan (nimbate), holding book of gospels decorated with 5 gems. Latin legend: VROSIVS REX STEFAN (UROS KING STEFAN) around. Control letters N - B at the bottom of the shaft.

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

Reference: J 10 6.3, D 32/19 32, Ш III/208, T. II/15, Maric 1956 T XIV 7.

Comment: Same type as examples above but without S behind STEFAN. Title REX is featured with a X that looks like +. Crown seams shorter and wider. 58 registered variant examples.

King Stefan Uros III Decanski (1321-1331)

Silver "double cross" type. 20mm, 1.771g.

Obverse: Crowned king receiving patriarchal cross from saint Stefan (nimbate), holding book of gospels decorated with 5 gems. Latin legend: VROSIVS REX STFII (UROS KING STEFAN) around.

Reverse: Christ enthroned, holding book of gospels decorated with 5 gems, unusually tilted Greek letters: IC XC (In Greek: Ιησούς Χριστός - Jesus Christ) above. Siglas small R on the left side and a large B on the right side. 4 triple pellets around the throne.

Reference: J 10 6.3, D 32/20 35, Ш III/208, T. II/15, Maric 1956 T XIV 7.

Comment: Same type as examples above but without S behind and E in the middle of STEFAN. N also looks like II. Crown seams shorter and wider. On reverse both C letters are reversed and IC is tilted downwards rather then usual horizontal placement. 58 registered variant examples. Lovely brown/gold patina.

King Stefan Uros III Decanski (1321-1331)

Silver "double cross" type. 18mm, 1.399g.

Obverse: Crowned king receiving double cross from saint Stefan who is holding book of gospels decorated with 5 gems. Latin legend: VROSSIVS REX SSTEFAN (UROS KING SAINT STEFAN) around. Siglas O and R below.

Reverse: Christ enthroned, holding book of gospels decorated with 5 gems. Greek letters: IC XC (In Greek: Ιησούς Χριστός - Jesus Christ) above. Sigla P and S on the sides. 4 triple pellets around the throne. O on each side within the throne.

Reference: Jov 10 6.2, LJ (V-1), I (5.1).

Comment: Very strong features on kings face. Saint name is missing second S but kings name has additional S. E on the title REX looks like square O with a line on the right side and X looks like large +. O on the bottom on the left side of the shaft also looks like square O but without a line on the right side.

Only 17 registered examples.

Golden ring of Medieval Serbian queen Theodora, wife of king Stefan Uroš III Dečanski, early 14th century.

She was daughter of Bulgarian emperor and Serbian queen less than a year, from January 1322 until October same year when she died. Teodora was buried at Banjska monastery, in present-day Kosovo and Metohija province, southern Serbia.

Ring has two-headed eagle, which was symbol of Serbian royal family, and it's decorated with floral ornaments and mythical creatures, and on the side there is an inscription “who wears it help him God”.

Ring was found inside her grave in 1915, during World War 1. Serbia was attacked by joined forces of Germany, Austria-Hungary and Bulgaria and Serbian army started retreating towards Albania and Adriatic sea. Serbian government ordered opening of royal graves from Banjska to prevent them being robbed by invading enemies.

King Stefan Uros III Decanski is pictured at the top of the family tree far right. Bottom right next to him is his daughter Jelena Nemanjić Šubić the half-sister of Stefan Dušan. She was married to the Croatian magnate Mladen III Šubić, Prince of Bribir from noble Šubić family. They ruled from Klis Fortress in Dalmatia. After Mladen III Šubić's death, she ruled as his widow over Skradin and Klis. Her mother was second wife of Stefan Uros III Decanski, Maria Palaiologina. Her maternal grandparents were John Komnenos Palaiologos, Governor of Thessaloniki and Irene Metochitissa. They had 2 more children.

Between Stefan Uros III Decanski and his son Dusan who is in the middle of the third row, on the bottom, is youngest daughter of King Stephen Uroš III Dečanski, Teodora Nemanjić (1330-1381). She was the despotess of Kumanovo as the wife of Despot Dejan. Also half-sister of Stephen Uroš IV Dušan. She was the mother of two sons, Constantine Dragaš and Jovan Dragaš, and one daughter. She later became a nun adopting the name Evdokija, hence she is known in historiography as Teodora-Evdokija.

Above her is Simeon Uroš (1326–1370), nicknamed Siniša. He was a self-proclaimed Emperor of Serbs and Greeks, from 1356 to 1370. He was son of Serbian King Stefan Dečanski and Byzantine Princess Maria Palaiologina. Initially, he was awarded the title of despot in 1346, and appointed governor of southern Epirus and Acarnania in 1347 by his half-brother, Serbian Emperor Stefan Dušan. After Dušan's death in 1355, the Serbian throne passed to Dušan's son Stefan Uroš V, but despot Simeon decided to seize the opportunity in order to impose himself as co-ruler and lord of all southern provinces of the Serbian Empire. That led him to conflict with his nephew in 1356, when Simeon started to expand his control in southern regions of the Empire, trying to take Thessaly and Macedonia. He proclaimed himself Emperor of the Serbs and Greeks, creating a separate state, centered in regions of Thessaly and Epirus, where he ruled until his death in 1370. He was succeeded by his son John (Jovan) Uroš.

John (Jovan) Uroš was born in 1350 and died in 1422. He was the ruler of Thessaly from 1370 to 1373. John Uroš was the last emperor of Serbs and Greeks and the last Serbian ruler of Thessaly.

Far left is Stefan Uros V (1355-1371) son of Stefan Uros IV Dusan (1331-1355) and between them on the bottom is Dusman Nemanjic (1306-1321) older son of Stefan Uros III Decanski, Dusan's brother.

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.