Description:
This coin was minted during the rule of King Henry VI and Queen Constance of Sicily in the city of Brindisi, located on the southeastern Italian coast. These silver denaro coins were minted to pay the armies of Christian Crusaders and they were also currency for the people. The obverse side features a Jerusalem Cross, also known as a Crusader Cross, with the Latin legend "Henry Emperor." The reverse side shows the letters A P with omega above, which was a Medieval Christian symbol, and the legend "Constance Empress."
Brindisi, with an excellent natural harbor, became a main departure point during the age of the Crusades. Alongside the docks, the splendid Cathedral of Brindisi was built between 1089 and 1143. It was in this Cathedral, with holy scenes represented on the mosaic floor, that pilgrims and Crusader soldiers would come to pray before setting sail for the Holy Land.
Henry VI, became King of Germany and the Holy Roman Emperor after his father, Emperor Frederick I, died in 1190 while leading an army during the Third Crusade. Henry also conquered Sicily in 1194, thereupon becoming the most powerful monarch in Europe. In 1197, Henry launched his own campaign known as the "Emperor's Crusade." However, before his departure and while his forces were already on their way to the Holy Land, Henry died of illness in Messina, Sicily. Despite the absence of their leader, the Crusaders continued on and were successful in capturing the cities of Sidon and Beirut.
