Serbian Medieval Coins

Prince Stefan Lazarevic (1393-1402)

Silver "horn" types. 12mm, 0.425g

Obverse: Large ox-horned helmet (heraldic symbol of the Hrebeljanovic-Lazarevic dynasty), facing left. 4 pellets between horns and a single pellet underneath helmet. Latin unclear description: ✤ ?OS • EVN.

Reverse: Christ seating on the throne, facing, blessing with his right hand and holding book of gospels decorated with 4 gems in his left hand. Reversed Ǝ (Instead of IC XC In Greek: Ιησούς Χριστός - Jesus Christ), to the sides.

Reference: J 41 2, Jov. 41-2, LJ (XIII-31) I (42.12).

Comment: Rare and very nicetype. Letters are unclear but maybe meant to read STEFAN.

Ox-horned helmet was part of Despot Stefan Lazarevic full knights body armor. He was a founding member of The Order Of The Dragon, a knights order. We can only imaging how he looked like wearing this armor and a helmet and riding a horse. It must have been a very impressive sight as he was a tall and a strong, well trained and very experienced man! After all it was his fighting on the battlefield against Ottomans that won him admiration of Byzantine emperor and a despot title.

All coins without despot title or with a title CONTE (PRINCE or KNEZ) are minted before 1402 most likely between 1396 and 1402, within that 6 year period.

36 registered examples

Prince Stefan Lazarevic (1393-1402)

Silver reduced "horn" dinar. 15mm, 0.5g.

Obverse: Ox-horned helmet (heraldic symbol of the Hrebeljanovic-Lazarevic dynasty), 4 pellets between horns and underneath helmet. Latin legend: • CONTE ✤ S TEPAN (PRINCE STEFAN).

Reverse: Christ standing within the circle of pearls, facing and holding book of gospels. IC XC ("Jesus Christ"), on the sides.

Reference: J 41 1, Jov. 41-1, LJ (XIII-28) I (42.11).

Comment: Very rare type and there are only 3 registered examples.

On the domestic front, he broke the resistance of the Serbian nobles, and used the periods of peace to strengthen Serbia politically, economically, culturally and militarily.
In 1412 he issued the Code of Mines, with a separate section on governing of Novo Brdo – the largest mine in the Balkans at that time. This code increased the development of mining in Serbia, which had been the main economic backbone of the Serbian Despotate. At the time of his death, Serbia was one of the largest silver producers in Europe.

Prince Stefan Lazarevic (1393-1402)

Silver reduced "horn" dinar. 13mm, 0.5g.

Obverse: Ox-horned helmet (heraldic symbol of the Hrebeljanovic-Lazarevic dynasty), 4 pellets between horns. Incomplete Latin legend: ✤ CONTE S • EIERV (CONTE STEFAN - Prince or Duke Stefan) around. Single dot under helmet possibly part of a flower.

Reverse: Head of Christ in the middle, facing, cross behind. Latin legend: + IEVR • CRISTVS N (JESUS CHRIST) around.

Reference: Unpublished variant compare to Jov. 41 3.1-3.4, J 41 3-5, I 42 8-10, D 225/12 70.

Comment: Very rare type with only 17 registered examples. Every example has incomplete text. Because of shallow dies excellent examples are non existent. Moneyer marks are always between horns on the obverse. Still this example is very well preserved and with very nice patina and natural brown toning. After dot on reverse Christ title starts with what appears to be ꙋ ⟨оу⟩ but in this instance it must meant to be a letter C. It is possible that moneyer looking for letter C picked letter ꙋ ⟨оу⟩.

In the field of architecture, he continued development of the Morava school. His reign and personal literary works are sometimes associated with early signs of the Renaissance in the Serbian lands. He introduced knightly tournaments, modern battle tactics, and firearms to Serbia.

Prince Stefan Lazarevic (1393-1402)

Silver reduced "horn" dinar. 13mm, 0.5g.

Obverse: Ox-horned helmet (heraldic symbol of the Hrebeljanovic-Lazarevic dynasty), 4 pellets between horns which are ending with a circle. Latin legend: ✤ CON STE (Prince or Duke Stefan).

Reverse: Christ enthroned, holding Book of Gospels, unclear initials possibly meant IC XC ("Jesus Christ"), siglas flat S to the sides and a B on the right side..

Reference: J 160, Jov. 41-2, LJ (XIII-31,32) I (42.12), D 226 72-76.

Comment: Very scarce type, associated with the late-19th century Rudnik hoard of Despot Stefan. With its 1988 publication there total number of known specimens was brought to 65. Ivanovic in his book claims that there are only 36 registered examples.

Stefan Lazarević was born, probably, in 1377 in Kruševac, the capital of his father, Prince Lazar. After the Battle of Kosovo on 15 June 1389, where his father was killed, Stefan became the new Serbian prince, but before he became of age the state was ruled by his mother, Princess Milica. In the battle of Kosovo in 1389, both rulers were killed, the Serbian Prince Lazar and Ottoman Sultan Murad I, which is very rare in history. (Murad I was the first and the last Ottoman ruler who was killed on the battlefield).

Prince Stefan Lazarevic (1393-1402)

Silver reduced "eagle" dinar. 14mm, 0.7g.

Obverse: Double-headed eagle with the wings spread wide and open claws, standing, no legend.

Reverse: Christ with a granulated nimbus is depicted standing within the circle of pearls in mandorla holding Book of the Gospels in his left hand. Large distorted initials C X ("Jesus Christ") in the middle to the sides.

Reference: Jov. 41-25, I (42.18).

Comment: Excellent condition for this type as they are usually found in very bad state. Double struck dots around on the obverse. Very rare type, only 26 registered examples with a rare and early depiction of the Serbian royal and later state symbol, the double-headed eagle.

The double-headed eagle was adopted in medieval Serbia from Etruscan Culture. The Etruscan civilization flourished in central Italy between the 8th and 3rd century BCE. The culture was renowned in antiquity for its rich mineral resources and as a major Mediterranean trading power. Much of its culture and even history was either obliterated or assimilated into that of its conqueror, Rome.

The common misconception is that it was adopted from late Byzantine influence, however it has been disproved by credited historians.

Prince Stefan Lazarevic (1393-1402)

Silver reduced "eagle" dinar. 13mm, 0.6g.

Obverse: Double-headed eagle with the wings spread wide and open claws, standing, no legend. 5 dots around.

Reverse: Christ with a granulated nimbus is depicted standing within the circle of pearls in mandorla holding book of the gospels in his left hand. Large distorted initials C X ("Jesus Christ") in the middle to the sides.

Reference: Jov. 41-25, I (42.18)

Comment: Very good condition of a very rare type, only 26 registered examples. Double-headed eagle originated from the medieval Nemanjić dynasty.

The oldest preserved Nemanjić dynasty double-headed eagle in historical sources is depicted on the ktetor portrait of Miroslav of Hum in the Church of St. Peter and Paul in Bijelo Polje, dating to 1190. It had the following characteristics: one neck and two heads, collars on the neck and tail, spread wings, a tail in the shape of fleur-de-lis, heads higher than wings, feet have three toes, the eagle is within a circle. This type of Nemanjić eagle developed between the 12th and 15th centuries.

Prince Stefan Lazarevic (1393-1402)

Silver reduced "eagle" dinar. 13mm, 0.7g.

Obverse: Double-headed eagle with the wings spread wide and open claws, standing, no legend. 2 dots to the sides.

Reference: Jov. 41-25, I (42.18)

Comment: Good condition for this very rare type. Double struck dots around on the obverse, only 26 registered examples.

The Nemanjić double-headed eagle was depicted on the details of ornaments and textile in the Žiča monastery (1207–1220), in the Church of Our Lady of Ljeviš (1307–1310), the decoration of Jovan Oliver's clothing (1349), detail on textile from Veluće Monastery (14th), a detail in the Resava Monastery (1402–1427), on the plate of Ivan Crnojević's coat of arms, as well as in other monasteries and churches.

Prince Stefan Lazarevic (1393-1402)

Silver reduced "eagle" dinar. 12mm, 0.7g.

Obverse: Double-headed eagle with the wings spread wide and open claws, standing, no legend. 2 dots to the sides.

Reference: Jov. 41-25, I (42.18).

Comment: Good condition for this very rare type. Double struck dots around on the obverse, only 26 registered examples.

Beginning in the 14th century, the double-headed eagle can be seen more often on inscriptions, medieval frescoes and embroidery on the clothes of Serbian royalty. The Serbian Church adopted it, with the entrance of Žiča, the seat of the Serbian Archbishopric in the 1219–1253 period and by tradition the coronation church of the Serbian kings was engraved with the double-headed eagle. The survived golden ring of Queen Teodora (1321–1322) has the symbol engraved. During the reign of Emperor Stefan Dušan (1331–1355), the double-headed eagle can be seen on everyday objects and state related documents, such as wax stamps and decrees. In 1339, map maker, Angelino Dulcert, marked the Serbian Empire with a flag with a red double-headed eagle.

Prince Stefan Lazarevic (1393-1402)

Silver tercio (Third of a dinar), 1.02g.

Obverse: A large head of Christ in a granulated nimbus the size of the coin. From the bottom of the head extends a semicircular inscription beginning on the inside with the initials +INRI ("Isus Nazarensis Rex Ideorum" - Jesus the Nazarene the King the god).

Reverse: A cross with arms of equal length, each arm devised into two parts, a dot at the end of each part. From each corner of the cross in the middle of the field extend thin lines ending in the three-dot pattern. Possible representing cross with precious stones or possibly 2 different crossed crosses with gems.

Reference: J 41-10, J 41-15, J (185), I (43.1).

Comment: Extremely rare type. Issued after Stefan Lazarevic became ruler of the Serbian Kingdom. His Christian religious orientation clearly apparent. It is uncertain if this is regular or irregular coining.

There are only 3 registered examples.

Prince Stefan Lazarevic (1393-1402)

Silver “angel” type. 11mm, 0.432g,

Obverse: Angel with a halo standing with a spread wings on the right side holding long cross in his right hand on the left side. Two lilies below one on each side. No description.

Reverse: Jesus standing in glory and holding something that doesn’t look like a book of gospels usually present but something that looks like long “bouquet of flowers”. C C that should be IC - XC (In Greek: Ιησούς Χριστός - Jesus Christ) to the sides in the middle. 2 dots below.

Reference: Jov 41-9.4

Comment: Extremely rare type of despot Stefan Lazarevic without description and just representations of a angel on the obverse and Jesus on the reverse.
In Jovanovic book it’s stated that there are only 3 registered examples weight 0.45g, 0.39g and 0.31g. I have also seen unpublished variant with double headed eagle on the obverse instead of lilies.
In addition to this type there is also type with angel with wings on the obverse with CONTE or KNEZ title, Jovanovic reference 41-9.1, my reference Knezevic 372 and a type with a comet, Jovanovic reference 41-9.2 and my reference Knezevic 367.
My opinion is that due to the appearance of the title CONTE on a similar type, this issue must be one of early types dating from before Stefan Lazarevic became despot in 1402, while he had Conte or Knez title inherited from his father Knez Lazar after his death in 1389 at the Kosovo battle. So it’s from the end of the 14th century or beginning of the 15th century.
Two beautiful lilies, Serbian royal, imperial and Christian symbol on the obverse are really well minted and preserved, one under cross and other under angels spread wings.

Prince Stefan Lazarevic (1393-1402)

Silver "angel" half dinar, 0.75g.

Reverse: An Angel (possibly Archangel Michael) with a granulated nimbus facing left, single wing on the right. In its right hand the angel is holding a branch with 4 buds , itʼs left hand is against his chest. A Latin inscription on the left side next to the branch: CONTE (Prince, Lord or Earl).

Obverse: Christ with a granulated nimbus is depicted standing within the circle of pearls in mandorla. In his left hand he is holding the gospels, his right hand is in the ritual gesture of benediction. The initials IC XC ("Jesus Christ") at the height of his hips.

Reference: J 41-9.1, J 41-12, J (153), LJ (XI-19), I (42.14), D 229 78,79.

Comment: Extremely rare type. Issued before Stefan Lazarevic became ruler of the Serbian Kingdom, while his mother Milica was ruling. His father died in 1389 and he was too young to rule on his own.

There are only 8 registered examples.

Prince Stefan Lazarevic (1393-1402)

Silver reduced "comet" dinar, 0.5g

Obverse: Prince standing, facing, holding scepter, flying comet or star on the right, Latin legend CONTE (Prince, Duke or Earl)

Reverse: Christ standing within the circle of pearls, facing, IC XC ("Jesus Christ")

Reference: J 41-9.2, Jov. 41-13

Comment: Extremely rare coin. Very scarce type. Only pictured by Jovanovic. Using CONTE like his father Lazar.

Stefan Lazarević married Jelena in September 1405. Jelena was daughter of Francesco II Gattilusio, a Genovese lord of Lesbos and a sister of Irene Gattilusio, empress of Byzantium empire and a wife of John VII Palaiologos. This marriage was arranged during his stay in Constantinople in 1402, at a time when the city and the Byzantine Empire ruled John VII in the name of his uncle, Manuel II (1373-1391 ruler, Emperor 1391-1425). Jelena and Stefan had no children and Jelena is not shown on any frescoes in monasteries built by Stefan.

There are only 2 registered examples.

Prince Stefan Lazarevic (1393-1402)

Silver "scepter" reduced dinar. 13mm, 0.5g.

Obverse: Prince standing facing, holding scepter, Latin legend: CONTE STEFAN (Prince or Duke Stefan).

Reverse: Head of facing Christ, cross behind, Latin legend in outer band +IESYS CRISTVS (Jesus Christ).

Reference: J 41-4.1,Jov. 41-7, LJ (XII-1,2), I (42.6).

Comment: Rare type and a rare depiction of a facing head of Christ including his full name. Rare double struck reverse.

After Ottoman defeat at Ankara (July 1402) Stefan Lazarevic returned home from the battlefield via Byzantine territory; in August 1402 at Constantinople Emperor John VII Palaiologos decided to award him the very high title of Despot, second only to Imperial dignity, it gave the bearer great honour. From Constantinople, Despot Stefan paved the way for an independent Serbia.

There are only 29 registered examples.

Prince Stefan Lazarevic (1393-1402)

Silver "scepter" reduced dinar. 13mm, 0.4g.

Obverse: Prince standing facing, holding scepter, Latin legend: CONTE STEFAN (Prince or Duke Stefan).

Reverse: Head of facing Christ, cross behind, Latin legend in outer band +IESYS CRISTVS (Jesus Christ).

Reference: J 162, Jov. 41-6, I (42.7).

Comment: Like above but with subtle difference like wider Christ beard and different Despot scepter. Still rare type and a rare depiction of a facing head of Christ including his full name.

Under his rule, he issued a Code of Mines in 1412 in Novo Brdo, the economic center of Serbia. In his legacy, Resava-Manasija monastery (Pomoravlje District), he organized the Resava School, a center for correcting, translating, and transcribing books.

Prince Stefan Lazarevic (1393-1402)

Silver "scepter" reduced dinar. 13mm, 0.4g.

Obverse: Prince standing facing, holding scepter. Latin legend: CONTE STEFAN (Prince or Duke Stefan).

Reverse: Head of facing Christ, cross behind. Latin legend in outer band +IESYS CRISTVS (Jesus Christ).

Reference: J 162, Jov. 41-6, I (42.7).

Comment: Like above but with Christ more pointy beard. Still rare type and a rare depiction of a facing head of Christ including his full name.

Stefan Lazarević died suddenly in 1427, leaving the throne to his nephew Đurađ Branković. Despot Stefan is buried in the monastery Manasija built in 1407.

Prince Stefan Lazarevic (1393-1402)

Silver "scepter" reduced dinar. 13mm, 0.4g.

Obverse: Prince standing facing, holding labarum, Latin CONT S - TEFAN (Prince or Duke Stefan).

Reverse: Christ standing within the circle of pearls, facing, IC - XC ("Jesus Christ") in the middle.

Reference: J 163, Jov. 41-9, I (42.3), D 235 1.

Comment: Very rare type with Despot holding labarum and Christ in mandorla combination.

Prince Stefan Lazarević was a great patron of art and culture providing support and shelter to scholars from Serbia and exiles from surrounding countries occupied by the Ottomans. He was educated at his parents’ home, he spoke and wrote Serbo-Slavic; he could speak Greek, and was familiar with Latin.

He was an author in his own right, and his main works include "Slovo ljubve" (Letter of Love) that he dedicated to his brother Vuk and "Natpis na mramornom stubu na Kosovu" (Inscription on the Marble Pillar at Kosovo). Some of the original works he wrote during his reign have been preserved.

Serbian medieval coins

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