Crusader Kingdoms Bronze trachy, Latin Rulers of Constantinople, 1204-1261, Crusaders in Byzantium (SB 2036) poor-p

Facing bust of Christ, holding Gospels and raising right hand / Archangel Michael standing facing, holding cross on globe. 24mm, 1.83 grams. Constantinople mint? DOC 16; SB 2036.

The Fourth Crusade culminated in the capture and sack of Constantinople in 1204, after which the crusaders established the Latin Empire (1204–1261). The new regime faced chronic financial difficulties and a severe shortage of precious metals, leading it to strike large quantities of crude copper coinage. Contemporary sources record that bronze statues, monuments, and even metal stripped from buildings and roofs were melted down to provide metal for coin production and other expenses. These emergency issues were often of poor workmanship and low intrinsic value, reflecting the economic weakness of the Latin state. In 1261, the Empire of Nicaea recaptured Constantinople under Michael VIII Palaiologos, bringing the Latin Empire to an end and restoring Byzantine rule.