CRUSADERS.Edessa. Baldwin II. (Second reign, 1108-1118).Follis.

Obv : BΛΓΔOYINOC ΔO YΛO CTAY.
Baldwin standing left, wearing Norman helmet and coat of mail, holding globus cruciger and hilt of sword.

Rev : Cross fleuronnée set on tendrils; pellets joined to each angle.
Metcalf, Crusades 109-111; CCS 9a.

Condition : The coin has a dark, weathered patina with earthy tones, likely caused by prolonged burial or exposure to elements. The surface shows a combination of smooth and rough areas, indicating some wear, but the design remains distinguishable. The patina adds an antique character to the coin, with areas of the raised relief being more oxidized, while recessed portions appear to have accumulated more deposits. Overall, the coin maintains a strong historical aesthetic, enhanced by the natural aging process.Good very fine.

Material : Copper.
Axis : 12h

Weight : 3.65 gr
Diameter : 23 mm

Baldwin II of Edessa was a significant figure during the First Crusade and the early Crusader period. He was born around 1060 into a noble family in Europe and became one of the key leaders of the Crusader states established in the Levant. Baldwin's rise to prominence began when he participated in the First Crusade alongside his cousin, Baldwin I, who would later become the first King of Jerusalem. While Baldwin I took control of the Kingdom of Jerusalem, Baldwin II remained in Edessa, a region located in modern-day southeastern Turkey, which had been captured by the Crusaders.

Baldwin II became the Count of Edessa in 1100, a position he held until 1118. Edessa was the first Crusader state to be established in the aftermath of the First Crusade, and it was also the most vulnerable, given its proximity to hostile Muslim territories. Baldwin II faced constant threats from neighboring Muslim rulers, including the Seljuk Turks, but he proved to be an able military leader and a tenacious ruler. During his reign in Edessa, he fortified the city and led numerous campaigns to defend the Crusader state from external threats.

One of the most notable episodes during Baldwin's time as Count of Edessa was his capture by the Turks in 1104. Following the Battle of Harran, which ended disastrously for the Crusaders, Baldwin was taken prisoner and held for several years. During this period, Edessa was governed by his cousin, Tancred, who acted as regent. Baldwin was eventually ransomed and released in 1108, after which he returned to Edessa to reclaim his position as count.

In 1118, after the death of his cousin Baldwin I, Baldwin II was elected King of Jerusalem. His experience as Count of Edessa had prepared him well for the challenges of ruling the Kingdom of Jerusalem, which faced constant pressure from Muslim forces in the region. As king, Baldwin II continued to lead military campaigns to defend the Crusader states and expand their territories. He was known for his leadership in battles, often personally leading his troops into combat. Despite facing multiple challenges, including internal disputes among the Crusader nobility and external threats from Muslim armies, Baldwin II successfully maintained the kingdom's stability during his reign.

Baldwin II was also involved in diplomacy with European monarchs, seeking to secure support for the Crusader states. He corresponded with rulers in Europe, encouraging them to send reinforcements and resources to aid in the defense of the Holy Land. His efforts to secure alliances and support from the West were crucial in maintaining the Crusader presence in the region.

In 1123, Baldwin II was once again captured, this time by the Artuqid Turks, and he remained in captivity for over a year. During his absence, the kingdom was governed by a regency council led by Eustace Grenier. Baldwin was released in 1124 after a substantial ransom was paid, and he resumed his role as king.

Baldwin II's reign as King of Jerusalem lasted until his death in 1131. He was succeeded by his daughter, Melisende, who became the first queen regnant of Jerusalem, and her husband, Fulk of Anjou. Baldwin's legacy as both Count of Edessa and King of Jerusalem is remembered for his military prowess, his resilience in the face of adversity, and his efforts to consolidate and protect the Crusader states during a period of constant warfare and instability. His reign marked a critical phase in the history of the Crusades, and his leadership helped to secure the Crusader foothold in the Holy Land for several more decades.