Naples (1496-1501)-T carlino
This specimen was lot 42346 in Stack's Bowers NYINC sale (New York, January 2026), where it sold for $1,920. The catalog description[1] noted, "ITALY. Naples. Carlino, ND (1496-1501)-T. Frederico III of Aragon. NGC MS-62. Obverse: Crowned bust right, T behind; Reverse: Burning book with seven flames. A strikingly beautiful type from the peak of the Renaissance, the reverse design and legend ("RECEDANT: VETERA", or "let old things pass away") reflecting a desire to cancel old debts, refresh the economy, and restore political order." Wikipedia comments, "Frederick (1452-1504), sometimes called Frederick IV or Frederick of Aragon, was the last King of Naples from the Neapolitan branch of the House of Trastámara, ruling from 1496 to 1501. He was the second son of Ferdinand I, younger brother of Alfonso II, and uncle of Ferdinand II, his predecessor." He was forced to abdicate his throne in favor of Louis XII of France, who lost it to Ferdinand the Catholic, king of Spain, in 1504. Naples would remain under Spanish rule until the extinction of the Hapsburgs in 1700. Twelve carlini made a piastra, a coin that would not be struck until the next century.
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: 3.99 g, silver, this specimen 3.97 g.
Catalog reference: Biaggi-1706; cf. MEC-1063 (eight flames).
- Fabrizi, Davide, Monete Italiane Regionale: Napoli, Pavia: Edizioni Numismatica Varesi, 2010.
- [1]Orsini, Matt, Kyle Ponterio and Jeremy Bostwick, January 2026 NYINC Showcase Auction, Ancient and World Coins, featuring the Kazmier Wysocki Collection, Costa Mesa, CA: Stack's Bowers Galleries, Inc., 2025.
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