1 Takvorin - Constantine IV

Historical Context: The 1 Takvorin of Constantine IV (Guy de Lusignan) was issued during a turbulent and critical period for the Armenian Kingdom of Cilicia, spanning 1342-1344. Constantine, a Frankish prince from Cyprus, ascended to the throne amidst significant internal strife and external threats from the Mamluks and various Turkish emirates. His reign was short-lived and controversial, marked by attempts to westernize the kingdom and strengthen ties with the Latin West, often at the expense of traditional Armenian identity and the support of the local nobility. This coinage reflects the kingdom's precarious state and its desperate struggle for survival in the face of overwhelming odds, a mere three decades before its ultimate fall.

Artistry: While no specific engraver is attributed for this coin, the Takvorin of Constantine IV exemplifies the characteristic numismatic artistry of Cilician Armenia. The stylistic school blends Byzantine and Crusader influences, often rendered with a distinct provincial aesthetic. The obverse typically depicts the king enthroned, holding a cross and sometimes a lily, symbolizing his Latin heritage. The reverse commonly features a cross potent or the "Lion of Cilicia," a powerful dynastic emblem, often surrounded by Armenian legends detailing the ruler's name and title. The designs, while generally conservative, display the kingdom's enduring cultural synthesis and its attempts to maintain a distinct identity amidst regional powers.

Technical/Grading: This silver 1 Takvorin, weighing 2.5 grams and measuring 21 millimeters, exhibits typical strike qualities for its era and region. High-points for wear or strike weakness would include the king's head, crown, and hands on the obverse, and the central elements of the cross or the lion's head and mane on the reverse. Technical strike quality can vary considerably; examples may show off-center strikes, minor flan irregularities, or areas of flatness, particularly on the periphery or finer details. Well-centered strikes with strong, even pressure across both dies are less common but highly desirable, showcasing the full design elements and crispness of the Armenian inscriptions.