Crusaders. Cyprus. Richard I 'the Lionheart', King of England, AD 1189-1199. AE, Tetarteron. 0.73 g. 16.45 mm. Obv: Crowned bust of Richard I facing, holding cruciform scepter in right hand and globus cruciger in left. Rev: Cross on three steps, the arms ending in R Є X. Ref: Metcalf, Lusignan p. 2. Very Rare! Fine. This exceptionally rare coin was minted in Cyprus following Richard the Lionheart's conquest of the island from the oppressive Byzantine ruler, Isaac Comnenus. The invasion was prompted by the shipwreck of one of Richard's vessels, which carried his fiancée, Berengaria of Navarre, along with some troops. Isaac's harsh treatment of the ship's crew and passengers led to Richard's swift action. After overthrowing and capturing Isaac, Richard sold Cyprus to the Knights Templar, who later transferred it to Guy of Lusignan, the founder of the Lusignan dynasty on the island. Lionheart’s Rare Conquest Coinage