Damietta & the Fifth Crusade

334, Lot: 457. Estimate $100. Sold for $1600. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

CRUSADERS, Latin Kingdom of Jerusalem. John of Brienne. 1210-1225. BI Denier (15.5mm, 0.55 g, 12h). Damietta mint. Struck 1219-1221. +IOҺЄS RЄX, cross pattée with annulet in second and third quarters / DAMIATA, crowned facing head. Metcalf, Crusades 204; CCS 43. VF, slightly ragged edge.

During the preparations for the Fifth Crusade in 1217, it was decided that Damietta should be the initial focus for the attack. The crusaders believed that if they controlled Damietta they would control the Nile. Then, once having conquered Egypt, they would advance into Palestine and recapture Jerusalem.