Crusader Gold Solidus, Richard I, Lionheart, England, 1189-1199 CE

Crusader Gold Solidus, Richard I, Lionheart, England, 1189-1199 CE.

Obverse, RICA RDUS.

Reverse, Possibly HIE ACRI, onward to Acre, which Richard famously besieged in 1189 in his effort to retake Jerusalem from Saladin. A great warrior who had just conquered Cyprus from self-styled emperor Isaac Komnenos, he was a brutal tyrant who beheaded thousands of his captives.

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