Isabelle of Villehardouin AR Denier Tournois – Crusader States – Principality of Achaea

Medieval:  Crusader States  Silver Denier Tournois of Isabelle of Villehardouin, Principality of Achaea

Obv: ✠ YSABELLA. P. Ach, Cross with lettering around

Rev: DE CLARENCIA, Castle of tournois with lettering around.

1297 – 1301 AD. ·  Principality of Achaea · Metcalf 962ff

0.8g · 18mm

Isabelle of Villehardouin was a Frankish noblewoman and the Princess of Achaea from 1289 to 1307. As the last Villehardouin ruler, she played a crucial role in the principality’s political landscape, marrying Florent of Hainaut and later Philip of Savoy to secure alliances. The Principality of Achaea, established in 1205 after the Fourth Crusade, was a thriving feudal state in the Peloponnese, known for its chivalric traditions and economic prosperity. However, by Isabelle’s reign, it faced increasing challenges from Byzantine resurgence and internal disputes, leading to its gradual decline in the late Middle Ages.