Sardinia (1327-36) alfonsino
This specimen was lot 670 in Sincona sale 89 (Zürich, May 2024), where it sold for 2,800 CHF (about US$3,700 including buyer's fees). The catalog description[1] noted,
"ITALIEN Sardinien, Alfonso IV. d'Araggona, 1327-1336. Alfonsino o. J., Villa di Chiesa. Selten, besonders in dieser Erhaltung. Vorzüglich. Exemplar der Auktion Hess Divo 264, Zürich, Mai 1995, Los 523. (Italy, kingdom of Sardinia, Alfonso IV of Aragon, 1327-36, undated alfonsino, Villa di Chiesa mint. Rare, especially in this condition, Extremely fine.)"
The island of Sardinia in the early fourteenth century was in anarchy, being divided between Genoa, Pisa and various bandit chiefs. Alfonso's older brother Jaime invaded in 1323 and the Aragonese managed to occupy about half the island by 1326, whereupon Alfonso proclaimed himself king of Sardinia (Jaime had retired to become a monk). Aragonese control was not complete until 1420. Sardinia became part of the Spanish crown when Ferdinand of Aragon married Isabella of Castile in 1479.
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: silver, this specimen 3.25 g.
Catalog reference: MIR 111, Biaggi 2990.
- [1]Richter, Jürg, SINCONA Auction 89, The Garrulus Collection of Numismatic Rarities and Masterpieces, Zürich: SINCONA AG, 2024.
Link to:
- Barcelona (1291-1327) croat Jaime II
- Barcelona (1327-36) croat, Alfons III
- Coins and currency dated 1327