Aragon (1466-70) pacifico Fr-27
This specimen was lot 2939 in Sincona sale 51 (Zürich, October 2018), where it sold for 1,000 CHF (about US$1,206 including buyer's fees). The catalog description[1] noted,
"Renao von Anjou, 1466-1472. Pacifico o. J. Barcelona. Sehr selten. Schön-sehr schön. Kleiner Schrötlingsriss und flaue Stelle. (kingdom of Aragon, René of Anjou, 1466-72, undated pacifico, Barcelona mint. Very rare, Fine-very fine, Small flan crack and weakly struck.)"
René of Anjou (1409-80) had a long and checkered career. With his power base being the small duchy of Bar, he lacked the finances to support most of his pretensions. According to Wikipedia, he was count of Piedmont, Duke of Bar (1430–80), Duke of Lorraine (1431–53), Duke of Anjou, Count of Provence (1434–80), briefly King of Naples (1435–42; titular 1442–80), titular King of Jerusalem (1438–80) and Aragon including Sicily, Majorca and Corsica (1466–70). This rare gold piece was issued during his attempt to seize the crown of Aragon. Wikipedia notes that René never actually went to Spain but sent his son instead, who gave up after three years after failing to obtain much support. A quarter and half pacifico also exist and are rare.
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: 3.5 g, 0.986 fine gold, this specimen 3.32 g.
Catalog reference: Fr-27, Cayón-1929.
- [1]Richter, Jürg, Sincona Auction 51: Gold and Silver Coins and Medals; Coins and Medals from Switzerland, Zürich: SINCONA AG, 2018.
- Friedberg, Arthur L. and Ira S. Friedberg, Gold Coins of the World, From Ancient Times to the Present, 9th ed., Clifton, NJ: Coin and Currency Institute, 2017.
- Cayón, Adolfo, Clemente Cayón and Juan Cayón, Las Monedas Españolas, del Tremis al Euro: del 411 a Nuestros Dias, vol. 1, Madrid: Cayón-Jano S.L., 2005.
Link to: