Sicily (1282-85) pierreale Fr-654
This specimen was lot 42437 in Stack's Bowers ANA sale (Oklahoma City, OK, August 2025), where it sold for $9,000. The catalog description[1] noted, "Stunning Gem Mint Messina Pierreale. ITALY. Sicily. Gold Pierreale, ND (1282-85). Messina Mint. Constance and Peter III of Aragon. PCGS MS-65. A scintillating example of this Medieval Italian type, offering a crisp and clear strike, bold details, and alluring handsome sharpness throughout. An example that will doubtlessly command the attention of any collectors of hammered Italian or European coinage, as finding a nicer example would be a supremely difficult task. From the Rick Springfield Collection." The Aragonese evicted Charles of Anjou from Sicily in 1282 in a revolt known as the Sicilian Vespers. The pierreale, named after king Peter, was also struck in silver. Unlike today, Sicily was then one of the most prosperous regions of Europe.
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specifications: 4.3 g, gold, 24 mm diameter.
Catalog reference: Fr-654; MIR-170.
- 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.
- Grierson, Philip, Coins of Medieval Europe, London: B. A. Seaby Ltd., 1991.
- [1]Orsini, Matt, Kyle Ponterio and Jeremy Bostwick, August 2025 Global Showcase Auction, World & Ancient Coins, featuring The Richard August Collection and the Richard Margolis Collection, Costa Mesa, CA: Stack's Bowers Galleries, Inc., 2025.
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