Catalog
Regular AE - George IV 'Javakhtupali'
| Issuer | Kingdom of Georgia |
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| Year | 1207-1223 |
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| Shape | Round (irregular) |
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| Obverse description | The obverse field is entirely occupied by a multi-line inscription in Nuskhuri (ecclesiastical Georgian) script, arranged in horizontal lines across the coin's face. A small cross surmounts the legend at the top of the field, serving as a religious invocation. The inscription reads 'Giorgi, son of Tamar, Javakh's Ruler,' asserting the royal lineage and regional authority of King George IV. The lettering is boldly struck in relief, characteristic of the hammered coinage tradition of medieval Georgia. The coin is bordered by a dotted inner circle, with the irregular flan edge typical of hand-struck Georgian copper issues of this period. |
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| Mintage | ND (1207-1223) - - ND (1207-1223) - halved - |
| Additional information |
George IV, known as Lasha ("the Illuminator"), ruled Georgia during a period when the kingdom had reached the apex of its medieval power — but his reign ended in catastrophe. The Mongol vanguard forces under Jebe and Sübe'edei first struck Georgian territory during his rule, defeating a large Georgian army in 1221. George died the following year, possibly from wounds sustained in that campaign.
The term "Javakhtupali" denotes a regional copper issue associated with the Javakheti district, reflecting the decentralized minting practice common to Bagratid Georgia.