Ancient Armenian copper kardez coin in sterling silver ring. Coin Type:  Ancient Armenian.  Date:  Circa 12^th Century A.D. Denomination:  Kardez. Metal:  Copper. Country:  Kingdom of Armenia. Framing:  Sterling Silver. Reverse:  Cross patteé with crescent. Obverse:  King seated facing, holding scepter. Certificate of Authenticity

  Armenia was so closely associated with the crusader states that it can be properly considered with them. Christianity had been the state religion since King Tiridates III was converted by Gregory the Illuminator in 301 CE. At that time Tiridates declared Christianity as the national religion, the first country in the world to do so, some 20 years before Constantine the Great did the same for the Roman Empire.