A silver tram was an Armenian medieval coin notable for its silver composition and cultural significance.
Historical Background of the Tram Coin
Silver trams were primarily minted during the medieval period in Armenia, under the rule of the Kingdom of Cilicia. The kingdom reigned from the 11th to the 14th centuries and was a significant political and cultural entity in the region, often interacting with Crusader states, Mongols, Mamluks, and neighboring powers. King Levon I issued the first silver trams, and the series continued until the fall of the kingdom in 1375.
Artistic Evolution of Silver Trams
Trams are characterized by their intricate designs and inscriptions, including the reigning monarchs’ names and titles, religious symbols, and motifs significant to Armenian culture. The design and style of silver trams developed over time:
- Levon I’s reign: Coins featured crisp, detailed engravings, blending Armenian and European elements.
- Later periods: Economic decline led to smaller, lighter, and cruder coins under rulers like Levon II.
- Bilingual Issues were a significant innovation during Het‘um I’s reign. These featured inscriptions in Armenian and Arabic, reflecting diplomatic and cultural exchanges with the Seljuq Sultanate. They were minted by Kaykhusraw I and his successors, Kayqubad I and Kaykhusraw II, and they stood out as the only Cilician coins bearing foreign-language inscriptions.
Weight and Composition Consistency
The weight and composition of silver trams fluctuated and reflected changes in economic conditions and minting practices. When they were first issued, the coins weighed around 2.9 to 3 grams and were made of high-quality silver.
However, during periods of economic decline, such as the reign of Levon II, the coins became smaller and lighter. Despite these variations, the silver content remained relatively consistent, maintaining the coins’ value and avoiding the debasement of billon coinage.
Design of Silver Trams
King Levon I (1198-1219)
- Obverse: Featured King Levon I with a crown and royal mantle, holding a cross and a fleur-de-lis while seated on a throne decorated with lions.
- Reverse: Depicted a patriarchal cross flanked by two lions.
- Inscriptions read LEVON KING OF THE ARMENIANS and BY THE WILL OF GOD.
King Het’um I (1226-1270)
- Obverse: Featured portraits of Het’um I and Queen Zabel.
- Reverse: Depicted a cross with one bar flanked by two lions.
- Inscriptions: Names of Het’um and Zabel in Armenian script.
King Levon II (1270-1289)
- Obverse: Feature King Levon II wielding a sword on horseback.
- Reverse: Depicted a lion on his hind legs holding a cross.
- Inscriptions: “LEVON KING OF THE ARMENIANS” and “BY THE WILL OF GOD”.
- Changes to this issue: Coins became smaller and lighter due to economic decline.
King Het’um II (1289-1307)
- Obverse: Depicted King Het’um II seated on a throne with a cross and scepter.
- Reverse: Featured a cross with a single bar, flanked by lions.
King Levon IV (1320-1342)
- Obverse: Depicted Levon IV holding a cross and scepter on a throne emblazoned with lions.
- Reverse: Featured a cross with one bar flanked by two lions.
Double Tram Series of Levon I
Levon I also introduced a notable double tram series:
- Obverse: Featured King Levon I holding a fleur-de-lis-tipped scepter and a globus cruciger.
- Reverse: Depicted two lions and a patriarchal cross.
What a Silver Tram Could Buy
Purchasing Power in the First Decade of Issuance
- Basic Goods: A silver tram could buy enough bread to feed a small family for a day.
- Livestock: Several trams could buy chickens or a piglet.
- Clothing and Tools: Trams were used for basic clothing and tools.
Purchasing Power in the Final Decades of Issuance
- Basic Goods: A tram could only buy bread for an individual.
- Livestock: More coins were needed even for small livestock.
- Clothing and Tools: Lower-quality items were affordable.
Economic Pressures and Currency Evolution
The silver tram was central to Cilicia’s economy, initially supporting local and regional trade. Over time, financial pressures prompted lighter silver Takvorians and an increased reliance on copper kardez issues. Inflation, debasement, and regional conflicts contributed to the tram’s diminished purchasing power, yet it remained a symbol of economic resilience.
Modern Legacy and Collecting Value
Today, silver trams are prized by historians, collectors, and numismatists for their role in preserving the medieval Armenian narrative and their connection to the history of the Crusades. The rarity of these coins varies, with Levon I’s trams being relatively abundant, while those from rarer reigns like Smpad’s command higher prices.
