Ave!

Hungary, Bela III, Scyphate Follis, 1172-1196 AD

Æ; 27mm/3.4gm

Con/ about Extremely Fine; near perfect and unblemished green patina; read below for more info.

Obv/  + SANCTA MARIA +; Madonna, nimbate, seated facing, holding the infant Christ Child in her left arm and a lily flower in her right hand. (Yes, those three tiny circles are the baby Jesus!)

Rev/ REX BELA REX STS; enthroned in the Byzantine style, the figures of King Bela III (left)) and his deceased brother Stephen III (1162-1172) to right, both hold a scepter in right hand across shoulder and globus cruciger in left.

Ref/ Huszar 72

Seller's Note/ Over the last 25 plus years, NRC has presented dozens of these Crusader era issues but, without any doubt whatsoever, this is one of the very best.

Way too easy to clean, kids. The minimal dirt on this spectacular coin is so soft that, even if cleaned dry, you can use a tooth pick, bamboo skewer, or a dried rose thorn, for God's sake...although wet cleaning is suggested and hand-held tools, okay? All those tiny fiddly bits will keep you occupied for hours. A real joy to clean! Once done, wax and buff!