CRUSADERS, Lusignan Kingdom of Cyprus. James II. 1460-1473. AR Gros (25.5mm, 3.38 g, 3h). Type 6. IAC O BS DЄI G, James, crowned and wearing a tunic, right on horseback, holding sword over shoulder; annulet and double annulet stops / + R IЄRVS CIPRI ЄT ARMIA, Jerusalem Cross; double annulet stops. Grierson, Coins of Medieval Europe, p. 215 ; M&P Type E, 2 (dies B/d); Metcalf, Crusades, 806; Schlumberger, pl. VII, 22; CCS 159. Toned. EF. Very rare.

From the Richard A. Jourdan Collection of Medieval European Coins, purchased from Charles H. Wolfe, III.

The coinage of James II shows the growing influence of Italian coin types. This gros is possibly inspired by the gold ducat of Francesco Sforza. See lot 1127.