THE MEDIEVAL COINAGE OF GEORGIA

The medieval coinage of Georgia reflects a remarkable intersection of cultures, empires, and religious traditions. Located in the Caucasus region between Europe and Asia, Georgia developed a distinctive monetary system during the Middle Ages. Georgian rulers issued coins influenced by Byzantine, Islamic, Persian, and Mongol traditions.

At the same time, these coins expressed the identity and authority of the Georgian kingdom.

Archaeological evidence shows that the Georgian people have inhabited this region since prehistoric times. Early discoveries include some of the world's oldest evidence of winemaking, gold mining, and textile production.

In the fourth century CE, Georgia adopted Orthodox Christianity, which became a central element of its culture and political identity.

From the late 11th century through the 13th century, Georgia experienced a period historians call the Georgian Golden Age . During this era, powerful monarchs expanded the kingdom and issued some of the most distinctive coins in medieval Eurasia.

Bagrat IV and the First Byzantine-Style Georgian Coins

Bagrat IV. 1027-1072. AR Dram (1.97 g, 12h). Struck 1060-1072. + HA/GI A/T/KOC, facing bust of Theotokos (Virgin Mary), orans / "+ God preserve Bagrat, King of the Abkhazians, Sebastos" in Georgian, in margin and continuing in central field. Pakhamov pl. III, 42; Kapanadze 46; Dobrovolsky -; Lang pp. 19-20. Near EF, attractively toned. Extremely rare

Bagrat IV (born 1018) ruled Georgia during a turbulent period. He was the son of King Giorgi I and spent part of his childhood as an honored political hostage at the court of Byzantine Emperor Basil II in Constantinople.

Bagrat became king at only nine years old after his father's death. His mother served as regent during his early reign.

However, his rule brought constant challenges. Georgian nobles repeatedly rebelled, while the expanding Byzantine Empire threatened Georgia's independence. In 1051, Bagrat even fled temporarily to Constantinople while negotiating Byzantine neutrality.

Soon afterward, a new threat appeared. The Seljuq Sultan Alp Arslan invaded southern Georgia and devastated several provinces.

Despite these dangers, Bagrat IV preserved the unity of his kingdom. He died in 1072, leaving behind a stable and independent Georgian state.

Töregene Khatun and Mongol Authority in Georgia

MONGOLS: Töregene, 1241-1246, AR dirham (2.86g), Tiflis (Tbilisi), AH642,, Bennett-235, horseman right, turned back and shooting arrow at bird, ulugh mughul ulush bik above ( "chief of the great Mongol nation"), hare below, mint & date fully legible, Estimate: $800-1,000

In 1241, the Mongol Empire reached the height of its power when Great Khan Ögedei, the third son of Genghis Khan, died unexpectedly.

His widow Töregene Khatun became regent for their son Güyük Khan.

Silver dirhams issued in Georgia during this period carry her authority.

The obverse shows a mounted archer turning to shoot at a bird.

The Mongol reverse inscription in Arabic script reads:

"Ulugh Mughul Ulush Bik"
(Chief of the Great Mongol Nation).

These coins use the Islamic calendar, which begins in 622 CE.

An example sold for $5,000 at auction in 2023.

To read the complete article, see:
Mike Markowitz: Medieval Coinage Of Georgia (https://coinweek.com/medieval-coinage-of-georgia-power-faith-and-empire-in-the-caucasus/)

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