These coins were struck in Genoa, Italy, the birthplace of Columbus, between the twelfth and fifteenth centuries. Similar in size and style to small silver European coins issued during the Crusader period they became one of the major trade coins circulated in the Eastern Mediterranean from the end of the Crusades until the middle of the millennium. Hoards of Denaros have been unearthed in such diverse locations as Tripoli, Lebanon, and Syria.

Featured on the obverse of these coins is a cross of Jerusalem or the Maltese cross inside the inscription "CONRAD III". The Maltese cross is a symbol of protection; a badge of honor. Its story is hundreds of years old. When a courageous band of crusaders, known as the Knights of St. John, fought the Saracens for possession of the Holy Land, they encountered a new weapon unknown to European warriors. It was a simple but horrible device of war. It wrought excruciating pain and agonizing death upon the brave fighters of the Cross. The Saracens' weapon was fire!

As the Crusaders advanced on the walls of the city, they were attacked by glass bombs containing naphtha. When they became saturated with the highly flammable liquid, the Saracens hurled a flaming tree into their midst. Hundreds of Knights were burned alive. Others risked their lives to save their brothers in arms from dying painful deaths.

Thus, these men became the first fire fighters...and the first of a long list of courageous Fire Fighters. Their heroic efforts were recognized by fellow Crusaders who awarded each hero with a badge of honor; a cross similar to the one Fire Fighters wear today.

Since the Knights of St. John lived for nearly four centuries on a little island in the Mediterranean Sea, named Malta, the Cross became known as the Maltese cross.