Knight of Rhodes Gigliato

The Knight of Rhodes Gigliato prominently featured the eight-pointed cross of the Order of St. John, a design element that doubled as a military badge on coinage.

This silver coin was minted by the Knights Hospitaller during their rule on Rhodes, from 1310 until their expulsion in 1522. Struck on irregular planchets, often from recycled silver sources, it reflected the order's pragmatic approach to finance amid constant threats. The obverse typically showed the Grand Master's arms, varying with each leader, while the reverse bore a cross potent.

Exact mintage figures are murky; records from that era were seldom kept, and what existed likely burned in later conflicts. I've handled a few over the years—rough edges, patina like old armor.

Some claim these coins funded crusades, but that's mostly romantic fluff. They were just money for bread and mercenaries.