TYPE Medieval Serbia, King Marko Kraljevic (1371-95), silver dinar DESCRIPTION . Obv: 5-line Serbian legend: V HRISTA BOGA BLAGOVERNII KRA MA[RK]O ("In Christ our God the pious king Marko") Rev: Christ on dais facing, right hand blessing outstretched, stars around, initials IC XC REFERENCE: J 99, Jov. 19-2, Lj X/3 GRADING: AVF, part of flan missing (but most of legend present), toned, very rare and historically important ORDER INFO: S1465, $765 The legend of Kraljevic (regal prince) Marko - a witty popular hero, with a keen sense of chivalry and honor and often superhuman traits, protecting the simple folk from Ottoman invaders and other calamities - is among the most popular among Balkan Christians. It goes well beyond its anchor in Serbian epic poetry, as his deeds are celebrated also in Bulgarian, Croatian, and even Albanian tradition. Historical data on Marko (who ruled in Macedonia as a Turkish vassal after his father's death) is rather scarce, and none of it can clearly justify the myth that has surrounded him. Perhaps it was simply his ability to combine personal honor and courage with an autonomous rule and services to Turkish masters in a way that shielded his subjects from the increased lawlessness of his time and realm. Marko's money is rare, but constitutes important evidence about an important ruler who left us surpisingly few material artifacts (e.g., a couple of churches he endowed with some preserved quality frescoes, the walls of his ancient citadel). The present obv. die (complete with its central weakness) is the only known one with the full 5-line legend.