1 Gigliat - Omar Beg Imitation of Robert d'Anjou

Historical Context: Aydin's 1 Gigliat, issued by Omar Beg (1334-1348), reflects the Beylik's strategic economic integration. As a dominant maritime power in Western Anatolia, Aydin under Omar Beg engaged extensively in Mediterranean trade. Imitating Robert d'Anjou's Gigliat underscores its international recognition and the Beylik's pragmatic currency approach. This widely accepted European silver standard facilitated commerce with Italian city-states, demonstrating Aydin's significant regional economic role and its leveraging of a trusted design.

Artistry: Specific engravers are unknown for these imitations, reflecting a pragmatic adaptation of Western European iconography. The original Gigliat's design, featuring Robert d'Anjou enthroned with orb and lily scepter amidst fleurs-de-lis, is reinterpreted. Fidelity varies greatly, from close copies to simplified or stylized renditions. Details like facial features, drapery, and lilies often appear less refined, sometimes aniconic or blundered. The reverse generally maintains the cross fleury with lilies in the angles, though stylistic divergences from the Angevin prototype are common.

Technical/Grading: High-points include the obverse's enthroned figure: definition of head, crown, and scepter. Clarity of peripheral fleurs-de-lis is vital. The legend, often blundered or off-flan, is assessed for discernible letters. On the reverse, examine sharpness of the cross fleury and individual angle lilies. Central ornamentation and reverse legend legibility are key. Overall strike quality, planchet fabric, and silver integrity (3.61g target, variations expected) are paramount, as imitations frequently exhibit weaker strikes or lower fineness.