In the heart of the medieval Near East, where empires rose and fell with the shifting sands of history, a Christian Armenian kingdom flourished on the Mediterranean coast. At its helm stood King Levon I of Cilician Armenia — a monarch remembered not only for his political brilliance and military strength but for uniting East and West under a crown of silver and faith.
A Crowned King and a Crusader Ally
Levon I (also spelled Leo I), crowned in 1198 AD, was the first king of the Armenian Kingdom of Cilicia — a realm carved between the Byzantine Empire and the Crusader states. He transformed a regional principality into a recognized Christian kingdom, gaining international legitimacy through papal approval and alliances with European powers.
Known in Western chronicles as "Levon the Magnanimous" and sometimes "Levon the Great", his reign marked the high point of Armenian independence in the medieval era. Through diplomacy and strength, he made Cilicia a vital player in the politics of the Holy Land and the Mediterranean.
The Coin: A Silver Reflection of Power
Among the most iconic relics of Levon’s reign is the silver tram (TRAM) — a coin that embodies the sovereignty, culture, and faith of medieval Armenia. These coins were struck in excellent quality and circulated widely, bearing inscriptions in Armenian script — a bold statement of national pride and literacy.
Obverse: The king is shown seated on a throne, crowned and holding a fleur-de-lis in each hand, symbolizing authority and divine right. His robes flow regally, surrounded by a beaded circle and the Armenian legend proclaiming:
ԼԵՒՈՆ ԹԱԳԱՒՈՐ ՀԱՅՈՑ — Levon, King of the Armenians.
Reverse: Two rampant lions stand upright on either side of a patriarchal cross, their tails curling behind them in a mirrored pose. The lions reflect strength and courage, while the cross emphasizes Armenia’s Christian identity — reinforced under Levon’s reign.
