Sicily (1189-94) tari d'oro Fr-641
This specimen was lot 2793 in Sincona sale 80 (Zürich, October 2022), where it sold for 300 CHF (about US$360 including buyer's fees). The catalog description[1] noted,
"ITALY | Sicily, Tancredi, 1189-1194. Tari d'oro o. J. Messina oder Palermo. Kufische Inschriftenkreise mit Kugel im Zentrum. Rv. Kreuzstab zwischen IC-XC / NI KA. Fast vorzüglich. (Italy, kingdom of Sicily, Tancred, 1189-94, undated gold tari, Messina or Palermo mint. Obverse: Kufic (Arabic) inscription with pellet in the center; reverse: cross divides "IC CX NI KA". About extremely fine.)"
Tancred was the last of the Norman kings of Sicily, who conquered the island from the Arabs late in the eleventh century. Friedberg also records a double gold tari from this ruler.
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: gold. This specimen is 1.19 g.
Catalog reference: Spahr 124, MIR 40, Fr-641.
- 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.
- [1]Richter, Jürg, SINCONA Auction 80, World Coins and Medals, SINCONA Bullion Auction, World Banknotes, Coins and Medals from Switzerland, Zürich: SINCONA AG, 2022.
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