Naples (1458-90) carlino
The first specimen was lot 3103 in Goldberg sale 98 (Los Angeles, June 2017), where it sold for $2,291.25. The catalog description[1] noted, "Italian States: Naples & Sicily/Two Sicilies. Coronato (Carlino), ND. Ferdinand I D'Aragona, 1458-1490. Crowned bust of Ferdinand within inner circle right. Leg: +FERRANdvso ARA GO. REX.SICIL.HIE. Reverse: St. Michael slaying dragon. Leg: IUSTA. TVENDA. Extremely rare bust style. PCGS graded Genuine, Extremely Fine, Details (Cleaning)." The second specimen was lot 1607 in Jean Elsen sale 162 (Brussels, June 2025), where it sold for €240 (about US$333 including buyer's fees). The catalog description[2] noted,
"ITALIE, NAPLES, Ferdinand Ier d'Aragon (1458-1494), AR carlino, 1458-1462. D/ Armoiries en plein champ, écartelées d'Aragon, Naples, Jérusalem et Hongrie. R/ Le roi trônant de f., ten. un sceptre et un gl. cr. Flan large. (Italy, kingdom of Naples, Ferdinand of Aragon, 1458-94, silver carlino, circa 1458-62. Obverse: quartered arms of Aragon, Naples, Jerusalem and Hungary; reverse: the king enthroned, holding a scepter and orb. Large planchet, Very Fine.)"
Ferdinand I (called Ferrante) was the illegitimate son of the king of Aragon but managed to claim and hold the kingdom of Naples during his lifetime. His death in 1494 attracted the attention of the king of France, who invaded Italy to press his claim to the throne. The resulting war devastated all of Italy and resulted in Spanish control of Naples after 1504. It was the beginning of the end of the Renaissance.
Reported Mintage: unknown.
Specification: silver, the first specimen 3.95 grams, the second specimen 3,54 g.
Catalog reference: Mir-71; Biaggi-1676. the second specimen is P.R. 21; M.E.C. XIV, 944 var.
- Fabrizi, Davide, Monete Italiane Regionale: Napoli, Pavia: Edizioni Numismatica Varesi, 2010.
- [1]Goldberg, Ira, Larry Goldberg, John Lavender, Yifu Che, Jason Villareal and Stephen Harvey, Goldberg Sale 98: the Pre-Long Beach Auction, Los Angeles: Goldberg Coins and Collectibles, 2017.
- [2]Elsen, Philippe, et al., Vente Publique 162: Collection Jacques Druart, Brussels: Jean Elsen et ses Fils S.A., 2025.
Link to:
- Naples (1442-58) carlino issued by Alfonso IV
- Sicily (1458-79) carlino issued by John II
- Naples (1458-94) ducat Fr-819
- Naples (1458-94)-C coronat issued by Ferrante
- (1458-94)-M coronat, Ferdinand I of Aragon
- Naples (1488-94)-T coronat
- Naples (1494-95)-T coronat
- Coins and currency dated 1458