A Silver Coin of Serbian King Stephan Uros II Milutin (1282-1321) from Kuva-yi Milliye Museum

Museum of Kuva-yi Milliye in Balıkesir which is located in the north-western part of Turkey was established in 1996. The Museum of Kuva-yi Milliye has approximately 2.500 coins from different cultures and ages. As a result of some research, done between 2011-2012 August, one rare silver coin which dated back to Medieval era of Serbia was detected. There is a silver dinar of Serbian king Stephen Uroš II Milutin (1282-1321) in Kuva-yi Milliye Museum which might have come to Anatolia with the international trade route. Serbian silver dinar was found together with a group of Venetian silver coins and it was wrongly classified to Byzantine Empire which was an effective culture in that era. Most probably, Serbian silver coin which was dated back to the end of the 13th century, might have come to the Anatolia with a trade of Venetia. The coin which is protected in the Museum is the reflection of a rich culture of Anatolia which is the center of overseas trade between East and West. When Byzantine Empire began to lose its power in 12th century, the idea of independence between Balkan communities developed. Serbian Kingdom which was established in 12th century was getting stronger gradually and its borders were extended. Therefore, Serbian Kingdom reached a balance situation between the West and Byzantine Empire. As the Serbian Kingdom, was located on the overland journey between the West and the East, it had effective relations with its western alliances. Because of its strategical location, Byzantine Empire had to have good relations with them. This rare silver dinar most probably came to Anatolia with the Venetian merchants who were dominant in the sea trade in that era. It will be presented with the help of the historical background of the Balkans and Serbia.

Keywords

Serbia, Stephen Uroš II Milutin, coin, Kuva-yi Milliye Museum, Balıkesir.