Sale: CNG 67, Lot: 1916. Estimate $500.  Closing Date: Wednesday, 22 September 2004.  Sold For $1200. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

ARMENIA. Gosdantin I. 1298-1299. Æ Kardez (2.61 gm). Sis mint. Constantine (Gosdantin) standing facing, holding sword and cross / Cross with X at center. CCA 1732; AC 418. VF, smooth dark brown patina. ($500)

Gosdantin I, the younger brother of Hetoum II, initially took his side against the usurper Smpad. Gosdantin later captured the city of Sis and declared himself king, apparently supported by an unrepentant Smpad. Hetoum, partially blinded by Smpad, marched against both rebels and quickly defeated them. Both were exiled to Constantinople. Gosdantin struck some of the scarcest coins of Cilician Armenia.