The coinage of the new Crusader States was often used to communicate political and religious messages.  The Christian rulers were aware that their hold over the Holy Land was precarious, and understood the potential for coins to convey messages, asserting their authority and right to rule. 

The county of Edessa was the first Crusader State to be established in 1098, by Baldwin of Boulogne.  As the largest and most northerly state, the expansive borders, physical geography and relative isolation from other crusader lands left Edessa vulnerable. 

Consequently, the crusaders’ rule of Edessa was precarious.  In 1144, after less than fifty years, Edessa was the first crusader state to fall, when it was captured by the Muslim ruler Zengi.   

This coin, with similar imagery, also includes the Greek inscription BAΔT ΔOINOC ΔOVΛO CTAY, meaning Baldwin, Servant of the Cross.  The inscription emphasises the religious cause of the crusaders and justifies Baldwin’s authority to rule.  Interestingly, many of the early coins minted in the crusader states imitated Byzantine currency, which is why this inscription is in Greek, rather than Latin. 

The Museum has a collection of over 800 coins from the Crusader States.  If you would like to find out more about these coins, and other fascinating objects please visit www.bearersofthecross.org.uk