Serbian medieval coins

Map of the Serbian state under King Stefan Uros I Nemanjic (1243-1276), covering wide area from the river Neretva on the west to the river South Morava on the east and from the mountain Rudnik on the north to the Adriatic Sea on the south. Coastal area from the city of Skadar to Split.

King Stefan Uros I Nemanjic (1243-1276). Fourth Serbian king of the Nemanjic state.

Silver "banner" type coin. 20mm, 2.115g.

Obverse: Bare headed king receiving banner from saint Stefan , holding book of gospels decorated with 5 gems. Mixed Latin/Greek legend: VRωSIVS RςΨ • S • STEFANV, (UROS KING SAINT STEFAN). + on the flag of the banner. Flag is represented with 3 horizontal lines. Saint has 4 dotted pellet on his chest.

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

Reference: Unpublished variant compare to Ljubic III, Maric 1956 T XIII 5/6, D 4 8.

Comment: Excellent condition and clear detail with beautiful natural patina and toning. All images and letters are visible and very well preserved. S at the end of saints name is missing.

REX title ends with a very rare and interesting letter Psi (uppercase Ψ, lowercase ψ) which is the 23rd letter of the Greek alphabet. The letter's origin is uncertain. It may or may not derive from the Phoenician alphabet. It appears in the 7th century BC, expressing /ps/ in the Eastern alphabets, but /kʰ/ in the Western alphabets (the sound expressed by Χ in the Eastern alphabets - this is why moneyer here has replaced letter X with Ψ). In writing, the early letter appears in an angular shape (Greek Psi ). There were early graphical variants that omitted the stem ("chickenfoot-shaped psi" as: Greek Psi V-shaped  or Greek Chi ). Even the second letter in the REX title looks more like 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, then the letter E or e. 

Kings name has very very rare occurrence of letter (ω), a letter used in the early Cyrillic alphabet. Its name and form are derived from the 24th and final letter in the Greek alphabet, letter Omega (Ω ω). In some forms it looks similar to the letter W. Unlike Greek, the Slavic languages had only a single /o/ sound, so Omega was little used compared to the letter O (О о), descended from the Greek letter Omicron.

Appearance of the letters Omega (ω), Sigma (ς) and Psi (ψ), points here to the fact that this coin was minted by an experienced and well educated moneyer, well versed in languages and his artistic skill is clearly seen from the design and beauty of the piece.

King Stefan Uros I Nemanjic (1243-1276)

Silver "banner" type coin. 20mm, 2.171g.

Obverse: Bare headed king receiving banner from saint Stefan, holding book of gospels decorated with 5 gems. Latin legend: STEFANS REX VROSIVS, (STEFAN KING UROS).

Reverse: Christ enthroned, holding book of gospels decorated with 5 gems. Greek letters: IC XC (In Greek: Ιησούς Χριστός - Jesus Christ) above. Single line next to the right leg and a star under elbow. 4 triple pellets around the throne.                                            

Reference: Jov 7 1.2, LJ IV-18.

Comment: Excellent condition and clear detail with beautiful natural patina and toning. Very rare matapan type with all images and letters visible and very well preserved. V at the end of kings name is missing. VROSIVS name is on the right side making us conclude that this is either joint minting of father and son, Stefan Uros I and Stefan Dragutin or two brothers Stefan Dragutin and Stefan Uros II Milutin.

Pictured below is the fresco of Stefan Uros I with his young son Stefan Dragutin from Monastery Sopocani.

Only 8 registered examples.

King Stefan Uros I Nemanjic (1243-1276)

Silver "banner" type coin. 20mm, 2.152g.

Obverse: Bare headed king receiving banner from saint Stefan, holding book of gospels decorated with 5 gems. Latin legend: STEFAN REX VROSIVS (STEFAN KING UROS).

Reverse: Christ enthroned, holding book of gospels decorated with 5 gems. Greek letters: IC XC (In Greek: Ιησούς Χριστός - Jesus Christ) above. Single line next to the right leg and a circle or a flower under elbow. 4 triple pellets around the throne.                                            

Reference: Jov 7 1.2, LJ IV-18.

Comment: Excellent condition and clear detail with beautiful natural patina and toning. Very rare matapan type with all images and letters visible and very well preserved. VS at the end of kings name is missing. VROSIVS name is on the right side making us conclude that this is also, like example above, either joint minting of father and son, Stefan Uros I and Stefan Dragutin or two brothers Stefan Dragutin and Stefan Uros II Milutin.

Only 8 registered examples.

King Stefan Uros I Nemanjic (1243-1276)

Silver "banner" type coin. 20mm, 2.190g.

Obverse: Bare headed king receiving banner from saint Stefan, holding book of gospels decorated with 5 gems. Latin legend: STEFAN REX VROSIV (STEFAN KING UROS).

Reverse: Christ enthroned, holding book of gospels decorated with 5 gems. Greek letters: IC XC (In Greek: Ιησούς Χριστός - Jesus Christ) above. Single line next to the right leg and a star or a cross between feet. 4 triple pellets around the throne.                                            

Reference: Jov 7 1.2, LJ IV-18.

Comment: Excellent condition and clear detail with beautiful natural patina and toning. Very rare matapan type with all images and letters visible and very well preserved. VS and at the end of kings name on the left and S on the right side is missing. VROSIV name is on the right side making us conclude that this is also, like examples above, either joint minting of father and son, Stefan Uros I and Stefan Dragutin or two brothers Stefan Dragutin and Stefan Uros II Milutin.

Only 8 registered examples.

Comparison of these 3 joint issue coins with slightly different description:

STEFANS REX VROSIVS

STEFAN REX VROSIVS

STEFAN REX VROSIV

King Stefan Uros I Nemanjic (1243-1276).

Silver "banner" type. 21mm, 1.828g.

Obverse: Bare headed king receiving banner or flag from saint Stefan, holding book of gospels decorated with 5 gems. 2 sides Latin legend: VROSIVS REX SSTEFAII` (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. 4 triple dotted pellets around the throne. Reversed ᗺ moneyer mark on the right side.

Reference: Unpublished compare to Jov 7 1.1, D (4.8).

Comment: Lovely example with a kind of decorative letters. All letters have long lines extending from them. S on the right side is not tilted like most examples. O on kings name on the left side is portrayed in 2 parts and X on the REX title and on the flag looks Andrew's Cross or the crux decussata, a heraldic symbol in the form of a diagonal cross. Here it looks like its in motion a spinning X or +. Flag is very wide, represented with 5 horizontal lines.

Kings and saints faces are typical with a unusual lines maybe representing piece of clothing falling over saints right hand. Saint also has usual crosses on his chest and left shoulder. King has no lines across his chest.

Jesus head on reverse is large and beautifully detailed with large eyes and short beard. Any moneyer marks on reverse are extremely rare. 

King Stefan Uros I Nemanjic (1243-1276).

Silver "banner" type. 21mm, 2.020g.

Obverse: Bare headed king receiving banner or flag from saint Stefan, holding book of gospels decorated with gems. 2 sides Latin legend: VROSIVS REX SSTEFΛIIV (UROS KING SAINT STEFAN) around. Large cross on kings chest or around his neck and a square next to his legs.

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. Reversed ᗺ moneyer mark on the right side and 2 lines on the left side.

Reference: Unpublished compare to Jov 7 1.1, D (4.8).

Comment: Lovely example with normal letters. S on the right side is not tilted like most examples. X on REX title looks more like a cross. Flag is represented with 2 thick horizontal lines and it looks like there are 2 crosses on it. Reversed ᗺ moneyer mark points to the same moneyer as the one above.

Kings face is typical but saints looks different, also king is featured with a very rare cross around his neck sitting on his chest. Only other examples with a cross on kings chest are his sons Dragutin, reference: Jov 3 1.1 (#DRA36) and Milutin, reference: Jov 7 6 (#MIL15), pictures below.

Jesus head on reverse is large and beautifully detailed with large eyes and short beard just like example above #URI30.

King Stefan Uros I Nemanjic (1243-1276).

Silver "banner" type. 20mm, 2.080g.

Obverse: Bare headed king receiving banner or flag from saint Stefan, holding book of gospels decorated with 5 gems. 2 sides 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. 4 triple dotted pellets around the throne. Single line and a star next to the left foot.

Reference: Jov 7 1.1, D (4.8).

Comment: Lovely example with decorative letters. Tilted S on the right side portrayed in 3 parts. R is alsoportrayed in 3 parts, E in 4 parts with a upright line a 3 dots, F with a upright line and 2 dots and C in 3 parts.

Kings face is very similar to one of his fathers coins, king Stefan The First Crowned making us conclude that this is probably a type minted early in king Uros I reign possibly shortly after he became king in 1243, 15 years after his fathers death. He probably used same moneyer as his father did.

King Stefan Uros I Nemanjic (1243-1276).

Silver "banner" type. 20mm, 2.097g.

Obverse: Bare headed king receiving banner or flag from saint Stefan, holding book of gospels decorated with 5 gems. 2 sides Latin legend: VROSIV` 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. 4 triple dotted pellets around the throne. Single line next to the left foot and a star under right elbow.

Reference: Jov 7 1.1, D (4.8).

Comment: Lovely example with decorative letters. Tilted S on the right side. R is portrayed in 3 parts, E in 4 parts with a upright line a 3 dots, F with a upright line and 2 dots and C in 3 parts.

Kings face is very similar to one of his fathers coins, king Stefan The First Crowned making us conclude that this is alsoprobably a type, like example above, minted early in king Uros I reign possibly shortly after he became king in 1243, 15 years after his fathers death. He probably used same moneyer as his father did.

King Stefan Uros I Nemanjic (1243-1276).

Silver "banner" type. 19mm, 1.993g.

Obverse: Bare headed king receiving banner or flag from saint Stefan, holding book of gospels decorated with 5 gems. 2 sides Latin Legend: VROSIV` REX SSTEFAII` (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. 4 triple dotted pellets around the throne. Single star next to the left foot.

Reference: Jov 7 1.1, D (4.8).

Comment: Tilted S on the right side. R is portrayed in 3 parts, E in 4 parts with a upright line a 3 dots and F with a upright line and 2 dots.

44 registered examples.

As their are so similar, claims and hypothesis that these coins with decorative letters are in fact coins of his son king Stefan Uros II Milutin are as difficult to prove as it is to prove that there are coins of Uros I. The main way to set them apart among all else is weight. If, keeping in mind any possible damage, coins are above 2g its most likely Uros I. If its below 2g reduced from standard of 2.178g +/- 1%, by 20% down to 1.724g +/- 1% then it’s most likely Stefan Uros II Milutin. Coins with decorative letters belong to Uros I as, as such, there are more close to Venetian design and weight.

King Stefan Uros I Nemanjic (1243-1276).

Silver "banner" type. 20mm, 2.192g.

Obverse: King receiving banner from saint Stefan, holding book of gospels. Latin legend VROSIVS REX S STEFAИV (UROS KING SAINT STEFAN) around. + on the flag of the banner.

Reverse: Christ enthroned, holding book of gospels. Greek letters: IC XC (In Greek: Ιησούς Χριστός - Jesus Christ) above. 4 triple dotted pellets around the throne. Single line next to the left foot.

Reference: D 20 10, 11, Jov 6 1.1, J 7 1.1.

Comment: Very rare variant with lovely patina and intriguing letters. Nearly all letters design is in pieces. R is portrayed in 3 parts, E in 4 parts with a upright line a 3 dots and F with a upright line and a 2 dots. S is made up in 4 parts too with couple triangles on each end where letters like V and O are in 2 parts. C on reverse is in 3 parts with couple triangles on each side too.

King Stefan Uros I Nemanjic (1243-1276).

Silver "banner" type. 20mm, 2.048g.

Obverse: King receiving banner from saint Stefan, holding book of gospels decorated with 5 gems. 4 dotted pellet next to the book on saints chest. Latin legend: VROSIVS ⛬ REX • S • STEFAN` (UROS KING SAINT STEFAN) around. Single dot next to kings name. + on the flag of the banner. Flag is represented with 3 lines.

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. Single line next to the left foot and another line above within the throne.

Reference: D 20 10, 11, Jov 6 1.1, J 7 1.1.

Comment: Very rare variant with lovely patina. Very well preserved with all faces visible and detailed.

King Stefan Uros I Nemanjic (1243-1276).

Silver "banner" type. 20mm, 2.198g.

Obverse: King receiving banner from saint Stefan, holding book of gospels decorated with 5 gems. 4 dotted pellet next to the book on saints chest. Latin legend: VROSIVS REX • S • STEFAN (UROS KING SAINT STEFAN) around. 3 dots next to kings name. + on the flag of the banner. Flag is represented with 2 lines.

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. Single line next to the left foot, another line above within the throne and mark that looks like 3 dots joined under right elbow.

Reference: D 20 10, 11, Jov 6 1.1, J 7 1.1.

Comment: Very rare variant with lovely patina and decorative letters. R and F are portrayed in 3 parts and S is a bit larger especially in comparison with letter V. Both kings name a title have this unusual decorative letters. 

King Stefan Uros I Nemanjic (1243-1276).

Silver "banner" type. 20mm, 2.128g.

Obverse: King receiving banner from saint Stefan, holding book of gospels decorated with 5 gems. 4 dotted pellet next to the book on saints chest. Latin legend: VROSIVS ⛬ REX • S • STEFAN (UROS KING SAINT STEFAN) around. 3 dots next to kings name. + on the flag of the banner. Flag is represented with 2 lines.

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. Single line next to the left foot, another line above within the throne and mark that looks like 3 dots joined under right elbow.

Reference: D 20 10, 11, Jov 6 1.1, J 7 1.1.

Comment: Very rare variant with lovely patina and decorative letters. R and F are portrayed in 3 parts and S is a bit larger especially in comparison with letter V. Both kings name a title have this unusual decorative letters. 

King Stefan Uros I Nemanjic (1243-1276).

Silver "banner" type. 20mm, 2.073g.

Obverse: King receiving banner from saint Stefan, holding book of gospels decorated with 5 gems. 4 dotted pellet next to the book on saints chest. Latin legend: VROSIVS ⛬ REX S STEFAN (UROS KING SAINT STEFAN) around. 3 dots next to kings name. + on the flag of the banner. Flag is represented with 2 lines.

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. Single line and a dot next to the left foot.

Reference: D 20 10, 11, Jov 6 1.1, J 7 1.1.

Comment: Very rare variant with lovely patina and decorative letters. R is portrayed in 2 parts that looks like letter P with a small triangle on the bottom. Both kings name a title have this unusual decorative letter. Additionally letter F is represented with a upright line and a 2 triangles on the side. O on kings name looks solid with 2 lines on each side. Also X on title REX looks decorative.

King Stefan Uros I Nemanjic (1243-1276).

Silver "banner" type. 20mm, 2.215g.

Obverse: Bare headed king receiving banner or flag from saint Stefan, holding book of gospels decorated with 5 gems. 2 sides Latin Legend: VROSIV` REX SSTEFAИ` (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. 4 triple dotted pellets around the throne. Single star next to the left foot.

Reference: Jov 7 1.1, D (4.8).

Comment: Also with tilted S on the right side, R portrayed in 3 parts, E in 4 parts with a upright line a 3 dots and F with a upright line and 2 dots. There is no added S at the end of kings name and there is И instead of N at the end of saints name. There is also a curious star on reverse at the bottom next to Jesus right leg. Saint is featured with a big sad mouth.

King Stefan Uros I Nemanjic (1243-1276).

Silver "banner" type. 20mm, 2.040g.

Obverse: Bare headed king receiving banner or flag from saint Stefan, holding book of gospels decorated with 5 gems. 2 sides Latin Legend: VROSIVS REX S STEFAИ` (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. 4 triple dotted pellets around the throne. Single star next to the left foot.

Reference: Jov 7 1.1, D (4.8).

Comment: Also with tilted S on the right side, R portrayed in 3 parts, E in 4 parts with a upright line a 3 dots and F with a upright line and 2 dots. But there is added S at the end of kings name and И at the end of saints name. There is also a curious star on reverse at the bottom next to Jesus right leg.

King Stefan Uros I Nemanjic (1243-1276).

Silver "banner" type. 20mm, 2.099g.

Obverse: Bare headed king receiving banner or flag from saint Stefan, holding book of gospels decorated with 5 gems. 2 sides Latin Legend: VROSIV` REX SSTEFAИ` (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. 4 triple dotted pellets around the throne. Single star next to the left foot.

Reference: Jov 7 1.1, D (4.8).

Comment: S on the right side not visible, R portrayed in 3 parts, E in 4 parts with a upright line a 3 dots and F with a upright line and 2 dots, C on reverse in 3 parts too. There is also a curious star on reverse at the bottom next to Jesus right leg.

King Stefan Uros I Nemanjic (1243-1276)

Silver "banner" type coin. 20mm, 2.088g.

Obverse: Bare headed king receiving banner from saint Stefan, holding book of gospels decorated with 5 gems. Latin legend: VROSIVS REX S STEFAN, (UROS KING SAINT STEFAN). + on the flag of the banner. Flag is represented with 3 horizontal lines.

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. Line next to Jesus foot.

Reference: Ljubic III, Maric 1956 T XIII 5/6, D 4 8, 11-13.

Comment: VS letters are missing at the end of the saints name. 2 + marks on each of his shoulders. Nice decorative letters R and S. Clipped but most features are still present.

King Stefan Uros I Nemanjic (1243-1276).

Silver "banner" type. 20mm, 2.011g.

Obverse: Bare headed king receiving banner or flag from saint Stefan, holding book of gospels decorated with 5 gems. 2 sides Latin Legend: VROSIVS REX S STEFAИ (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. 4 triple dotted pellets around the throne. 

Reference: Jov 7 1.1, D (4.8).

Comment: No tilted S on the right side, R portrayed in 3 parts, E in 4 parts with a upright line a 3 dots and F with a upright line and 2 dots. But there is added S at the end of kings name and И at the end of saints name. Back of the Jesus throne is tilted and angled. 

All examples above have weight of 2g or more, unless there are clipped or damaged, size 20-21mm, moneyer mark in the shape of a circle, a dot, a line or a star on obverse bottom left corner inside the throne next to Jesus foot, line across the top of the throne that curves back towards it and decorative letters. This indicate minting early in his reign so shortly after 1243 as they are similar to his fathers coins king Stefan The First Crowned.

These coins below are slowly loosing some of the characteristics as they have been minted later in Uros I reign but do maintain weight. It was not until his sons rule king Dragutin and king Milutin, mainly around and after 1282, that weight of these matapan type of coins are being reduced by 20%, prompting Republic of Venice to start calling them fake and counterfeit.

King Stefan Uros I Nemanjic (1243-1276)

Silver "banner" type coin. 20mm, 1.845g.

Obverse: Bare headed king receiving banner from saint Stefan , holding book of gospels decorated with 5 gems. 2 sides Latin legend: VROSIVS REX S STEPПII, (UROS KING SAINT STEFAN). + on the flag of the banner. Flag is represented with 2 horizontal lines.

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: Ljubic III, Maric 1956 T XIII 5/6, D 4 8, 11-13.

Comment: Letters FAN are replaced with PПII at the end of saints name, usual VS are missing at the end of the name too but with 2 + marks on each of his shoulders. There is a simple explanation that moneyer didn't know to read and write and mistakenly picked wrong letters. In any case his skill is clearly visible in a beautiful design that survives to this day. Very prominent long legs especially kings legs.

King Stefan Uros I Nemanjic (1243-1276)

Silver "banner" type coin. 20mm, 1.794g.

Obverse: Bare headed king receiving banner from saint Stefan (nimbate), holding book of gospels decorated with 5 gems. Latin legend: VROSIVS REX S STEFANV, (UROS KING SAINT STEFAN). Large letter V at the base of the banner. + on the flag of the banner. Flag is represented with 3 horizontal lines.

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

Reference: Unpublished variant compare to Ljubic III, Maric 1956 T XIII 5/6, D 4 8.

Comment: S at the end of saints name is missing. Large V at the base of the banner is probably initial of the kings name.

Found metal detecting in Ripon, North Yorkshire, England, United Kingdom in 2019. 

During the 12th century Ripon built up a booming wool trade, attracting Italian trade merchants, especially Florentine’s, who bought and exported large quantities. The Republic of Florence (1115–1532) also known as the Florentine Republic was a medieval and early modern state that was centered on the Italian city of Florence in Tuscany.

Why would a Serbian coin end up in Ripon England? Well, there are 2 possibilities to this ancient mystery?

1. Florentine traders buying wool in Ripon used Serbian coins mixed with Venetian to pay for goods knowing that they are similar coins and that English traders probably wouldn’t tell a difference. A bit of a medieval trickery!
2. Serbian merchants traveled 1000 plus miles by land and sea to England to buy wool themselves.

Stefan Uroš I Nemanjic was the youngest son of Stefan the First Crowned and Anna, the granddaughter of Enrico Dandolo, Doge of Venice. It was his grandfather Stefan Nemanja that raised him and his two older brothers Stefan Radoslav and Stefan Vladislav I.

Like Roman "Caeser" Serbian "Stefan" was a high ranking title which many kings took on.

King Stefan Uros I Nemanjic (1243-1276)

Silver "banner" type coin. 20mm, 2.138g.

Obverse: Bare headed king receiving banner from saint Stefan (nimbate), holding book of gospels. Latin legend: VROSIVS REX • S • STEFAN` (UROS KING SAINT STEFAN) around. + on the flag of the banner. Flag is represented with 3 horizontal lines. Saint has triple dotted pellet on his chest and on the 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 pellets around the throne.                          

Reference: Ljubic III, Maric 1956 T XIII 5/6, D 4 8.

Comment: Very nice patina and detail. Some decorative letters: letter O is in 2 parts and F in 3 parts. VS at the end of saints name is missing. 

2 lines as a moneyer marks. 1 next to Jesus foot and 1 above, both within the throne.

King Stefan Uros I Nemanjic (1243-1276)

Silver "banner" type coin. 19mm, 2.294g.

Obverse: Bare headed king receiving banner from saint Stefan (nimbate), holding book of gospels. Latin legend: VROSIVS ⛬ REX • S • STEFAN` (UROS KING SAINT STEFAN) around. + on the flag of the banner. Flag is represented with 3 horizontal lines. Saint has triple dotted pellet on his chest and on the 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 pellets around the throne.                          

Reference: Ljubic III, Maric 1956 T XIII 5/6, D 4 8.

Comment: Very nice patina and detail. Some decorative letters: letter O is in 2 parts and F in 3 parts. VS at the end of saints name is missing. There are 3 dots next to kings name on obverse. 

2 lines as a moneyer marks, 1 next to Jesus foot and 1 above, both within the throne and a flower under his feet and under his elbow on the reverse.

King Stefan Uros I Nemanjic (1243-1276)

Silver "banner" type coin. 20mm, 1.823g.

Obverse: Bare headed king receiving banner from saint Stefan (nimbate), holding book of gospels. Latin legend: VROSIV` REX SSTEFA (UROS KING SAINT STEFAN) around. + on the flag of the banner. Flag is represented with 3 horizontal lines. Saint has triple dotted pellet on his chest and on the 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 pellets around the throne.                          

Reference: Ljubic III, Maric 1956 T XIII 5/6, D 4 8.

Comment: Very nice patina and detail. Some decorative letters: letter S is interesting and E appears upside down. Letter S at the end of kings name is missing and letters NVS at the end of saints name are missing. Letter X is very small.

Saint looks like is having very long mustache. 

King Stefan Uros I Nemanjic (1243-1276)

Silver "banner" type coin. 20mm, 1.894g.

Obverse: Bare headed king receiving banner from saint Stefan (nimbate), holding book of gospels. Latin legend: VROSIVS REX • S • STEFANV` (UROS KING SAINT STEFAN) around. + on the flag of the banner. Flag is represented with 3 horizontal lines. Saint has triple dotted pellet on his chest and on the 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 pellets around the throne.                          

Reference: Ljubic III, Maric 1956 T XIII 5/6, D 4 8.

Comment: S at the end of saints name is missing. Jesus head looks double struck.

1 line as a moneyer marks, next to Jesus within the throne.

King Stefan Uros I Nemanjic (1243-1276)

Silver "banner" type coin. 20mm, 2.053g.

Obverse: Bare headed king receiving banner from saint Stefan (nimbate), holding book of gospels decorated with 5 gems. 2 sides Latin legend: VROSIVS REX S STEFΛΙΙ, (UROS KING SAINT STEFAN). + on the flag of the banner. Flag is represented with 4 horizontal lines.

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: Ljubic III, Maric 1956 T XIII 5/6, D 4 8, 11-13.

Comment: Letters FAN are replaced with PΛII at the end of saints name, usual VS are missing at the end of the name too but with 2 + marks on each of his shoulders. Stefan Uroš I Nemanjic was the first to begin exploiting the mines for silver, which would later become one of the main sources of material wealth and power of the Serbian state in the Medieval times. His first coins were minted on the Venetian model with saint standing next to the king and Jesus sitting on the throne on the reverse.

By faithfully copying Venetian matapan 21mm, 2.178g +/- 1% he sought to establish a trade with Venice. So weight and size is possibly one way to differentiate between Stefan Uroš I Nemanjic coins and the coins of his sons.

King Stefan Uros I Nemanjic (1243-1276)

Silver "banner" type coin. 20mm, 1.869g.

Obverse: King receiving banner from St. Stephen, holding book of Gospels decorated with 5 gems with his left hand, Latin legend: VRSSIV REX S STFAII (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. 4 triple pellets around the throne. Double struck.

Reference: Jov 7 2.4, D 4 7.

Comment: Very rare and hard to find beautiful clean double struck on both sides. Old medieval mistake. On this example S is missing at the end of kings name and O is replaced with another S. 

King Stefan Uros I Nemanjic (1243-1276)

Silver "banner" type coin. 20mm, 1.934g.

Obverse: Bare-headed king receiving banner from saint Stefan (nimbate), holding book of gospels decorated with 5 gems. 2 dots on the top of the banner one on each side. Latin legend: VROSIVS REX S STEFAN, (UROS KING SAINT STEFAN) around. + on the flag of the banner. Flag is represented with 3 horizontal lines.

Reverse: Christ enthroned, holding book of gospels. Greek letters: IC XC (In Greek: Ιησούς Χριστός - Jesus Christ) above.

Reference: Ljubic III, Maric 1956 T XIII 5/6, D 4 56.

Comment: Letters VS are missing at the end of saints name. Born in 1221 and died in 1280 in Serbia. Based on Archives of Dubrovnik Uros I was coining money, however the beginning of coining as well as the issue of determining what he was really coining remain in the sphere of assumptions as his coins are very similar and difficult to distinguish from the coins of his sons Dragutin and Milutin. King Stefan Uros I Nemanjic was buried at Sopocani.

King Stefan Uros I Nemanjic (1243-1276)

Silver "banner" type coin. 19mm, 1.989g.

Obverse: Bare-headed king receiving banner from saint Stefan (nimbate), holding book of gospels decorated with 5 gems. 2 sides Latin legend: VROSIV Rς+ SSTEFAN, (UROS KING SAINT STEFAN) around. + on the flag of the banner. Flag is represented with 2 horizontal lines.

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

Reference: Unpublished compare to J 7 2, Jov 7 1.3, Ljubic III, Maric 1956 T XIII 5/6, D 4.8.

Comment: Lovely natural toning and yellow/brown patina. Letters VS are missing at the end of saints name. Kings name is also missing letter S. Legs are depicted as very short and kings legs are not visible at all. The second letter in the REX title looks more like 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, then the letter E or e. X at the end of the title REX and at XC looks like +. Jesus halo has extra line around represented by smaller dots. This is the only known example with double halo around Jesus head. First one with larger dots and second with smaller dots.

King Stefan Uros I Nemanjic (1243-1276)

Silver "banner" type coin. 20mm, 1.895g.

Obverse: Bare-headed king receiving banner from St Stefan, holding book of gospels decorated with 5 gems with his left hand. Latin legend: VROSIVS REX STEFAN (UROS KING STEFAN) around. + sign on each side at the bottom 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 pellets around the throne.

Reference: Jov 7 2.4, D 4 57.

Comment: King is featured with a long straight hair. Book of gospels on obverse looks more like a proper book with 4 visible corners and possibly just 1 gem in the middle where on the reverse it looks like decorated with 5 gems. S that stands for saint in front of his name Stefan is missing. 

King Stefan Uros I Nemanjic (1243-1276)

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

Obverse: Bare-headed king receiving banner from saint Stefan (nimbate), holding book of gospels decorated with 5 gems. 2 sides Latin legend: VROSIVS REX S STEFII (UROS KING SAINT STEFAN) around. + on the flag of the banner. Flag is represented with 2 horizontal lines.

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

Reference: J 7 1.1,Ljubic III, Maric 1956 T XIII 5/6, D 48.

Comment: Letters VS are missing at the end of saints name with 2 + marks on each of his shoulders. Legs are depicted as short. X at the end of the title REX looks like +. X on the right side next to Jesus head looks more like a dish of some sort with +bottom connected. It looks like as the coin was struck a bit of extra silver residue were on the way resulting in 2 slightly worn silver deposits that can be seen today,next to saints head and below next to the king over some of the letters of his name.

King Stefan Uros I Nemanjic (1243-1276)

Silver "banner" type coin. 20mm, 1.996g.

Obverse: Bare headed king receiving banner from saint Stefan (nimbate), holding book of gospels decorated with 5 gems. 2 sides Latin legend: VROSIVS x REX SSTEPΛII (UROS KING SAINT STEFAN) around. + on the flag of the banner. Flag is represented with 4 horizontal lines.

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

Reference: Ljubic III, Maric 1956 T XIII 5/6, D (4.8).

Comment: Letters FAN are replaced with PΛII at the end of saints name, usual VS are missing at the end of the name too but with 4 + marks 2 on each of his shoulders. There is a x sign above kings name next to his head. His legs are also less prominent. X at the end of the REX title looks more like a cross.

King Stefan Uros I Nemanjic (1243-1276)

Silver "banner" type coin. 19mm, 2.076g.

Obverse: Bare headed king receiving banner from saint Stefan, holding book of gospels decorated with 5 gems. Latin legend: VROSIV REX SSTEF (UROS KING SAINT STEFAN). 

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. 2 lines next to Jesus foot.

Reference: Compare to Ljubic III, Maric 1956 T XIII 5/6, D 4 8, 11-13.

Comment: Unusual and heavy type for being just 19mm in size, with ANVS letters missing at the end of the saints name. Kings name looks split and its missing letter S at the end of it. Moneyer marks in the form of 2 lines next to Jesus foot.

King Stefan Uros I Nemanjic (1243-1276)

Silver "banner" type coin. 20mm, 1.865g.

Obverse: Bare headed king receiving banner from saint Stefan (nimbate), holding book of gospels decorated with 5 gems. 2 sides Latin legend: VROSIVS REX S STEPΛII (UROS KING SAINT STEFAN) around. + on the flag of the banner. Flag is represented with 3 horizontal lines.

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

Reference: Ljubic III, Maric 1956 T XIII 5/6, D (4.8).

Comment: Letters FAN are replaced with PΛII at the end of saints name, usual VS are missing at the end of the name too but with 2 + marks on each of his shoulders. There is a star like sign between shaft of the double cross and his right leg. His legs are less prominent then example above. Very clear detail with natural toning and beautiful patina.

King Stefan Uros I Nemanjic (1243-1276)

Silver "banner" type coin. 20mm, 1.931g.

Obverse: Bare headed king receiving banner from saint Stefan (nimbate), holding book of gospels. Latin legend: VROSIVS REX S STEFAII` (UROS KING SAINT STEFAN) around. + on the flag of the banner. Flag is represented with 3 horizontal lines. Saint has crosses on both of his 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 pellets around the throne.                          

Reference: Ljubic III, Maric 1956 T XIII 5/6, D 4 8.

Comment: VS at the end of saints name is missing. It looks like this coin was in the fire but survived melting.

King Stefan Uros I Nemanjic (1243-1276)

Silver "banner" type coin. 19mm, 1.964g.

Obverse: Bare-headed king receiving banner from saint. Stefan, holding book of gospels decorated with 5 gems with his left hand, Latin legend: VROSIVS REX S STEFAN` (UROS KING SAINT STEFAN) around. + on the flag of the banner. Flag is represented with 2 horizontal lines.

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 7-7, J (16), LJ (IV-4,5,6), I (3.7)

Comment: X on the reverse looks more like a +. S in front of the Stefan is present its not missing like example below. Similar example to above but with slimmer figures.

King Stefan Uros I Nemanjic (1243-1276)

Silver "banner" type coin. 

Obverse: Bare-headed king receiving banner from saint. Stefan, holding book of gospels decorated with 5 gems with his left hand, Latin legend: VROSIVS REX S STEFAN` (UROS KING SAINT STEFAN) around. + on the flag of the banner. Flag is represented with 2 horizontal lines.

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 7-7, J (16), LJ (IV-4,5,6), I (3.7)

Comment: S in front of the Stefan is present its not missing like example below. 

King Stefan Uros I Nemanjic (1243-1276)

Silver "banner" dinar. 19mm, 2.1g.

Obverse: King receiving banner from saint Stefan, holding book of gospels decorated with 5 gems with his left hand, X next to it. Latin legend: VROSIVS REX S STEFAN` (UROS KING SAINT STEFAN) around. + on the flag of the banner. Flag is represented with 3 horizontal lines.

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

Reference: Jov 7-7, J (16), LJ (IV-4,5,6), I (3.7).

Comment: Typical issue of King Stefan Uros I Nemanjic uncleaned with natural patina. 

King Stefan Uros I Nemanjic (1243-1276)

Silver "banner" dinar. 19mm, 2.2g.

Obverse: King receiving banner from saint Stefan, holding book of gospels decorated with 5 gems with his left hand, Latin legend: VROSIVS REX S STEFAN` (UROS KING SAINT STEFAN) around. + on the flag of the banner. Flag is represented with 3 horizontal lines.

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

Reference: Jov 7-7, J (16), LJ (IV-4,5,6), I (3.7).

Comment: Another typical issue of King Srefan Uros I Nemanjic (1243-1276) well preserved with great detail.

King Stefan Uros I Nemanjic (1243-1276)

Silver "banner" coin.

Obverse: Bare-headed king receiving banner from saint Stefan, holding with his left hand undecorated book of gospels. x on both saint arms. Latin legend: VROSIVS REX STEFAN (UROS KING STEFAN) around. + on the flag of the banner. Flag is represented with 3 horizontal lines.

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

Reference: Jov 7-7, J (16), LJ (IV-4,5,6), I (3.7), D 4 57.

Comment: King is featured with a long straight hair. Book of gospels on obverse looks more like a proper book with no gems on where on the reverse it is decorated with 5 gems. S in front of the Stefan is missing. Very similar coin to his fathers coins Uros I but because of two x signs on both saint arms its most likely sons issue.

Nemanjic Royal Family Tree (Loza Nemanjica) Decani, Serbia XIV century.

Uros I is pictured above on the second line of large images far right. His brothers Vladislav I and Radoslav are pictured in small images left and right respectively. His daughter Brnjača (sister of Dragutin and Milutin) is above her uncle Radoslav.

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