★ An unpublished Ilkhanid fals with an Armenian cross ★

ISLAMIC, Mongols. Ilkhanids (?). Uncertain, 1256-1335. Fals (Bronze, 20 mm, 2.44 g), uncertain mint (in Armenia?). Sun-face in center; around, legend in Arabic. Rev. Cross in circle; around, in outer margin, legend in Arabic. Apparently unpublished and of great interest. Patina stripped and with light areas of weakness, otherwise, very fine.

The fascinating issue is an unsolved mystery: while the obverse shows a typical Mongol sunface, the reverse features a cross that bears a striking resemblance to the famous medieval Armenian cross, which is often depicted on a Khachkar, a memorial stele.