Sicily (1296-1337) pierreale
This specimen was lot 1576 in Jean Elsen sale 162 (Brussels, June 2025), where it sold for €240 (about US$333 including buyer's fees). The catalog description[1] noted,
"ITALIE, SICILE, Frédéric III (1296-1337), AR pierreale, s.d., Messine. Sigle F. D/ Aigle éployée et couronnée, t. à d., dans un polylobe cantonné d'annelets. R/ Écu d'Aragon, sous la lettre F, dans un polylobe cantonné d'annelets. Belle patine. (Italy, kingdom of Sicily, Frederick III, 1296-1337, undated silver pierreale, Messina mint. Obverse: eagle displayed, head right, within a polylobe cantonned with annulets; reverse: arms of Aragon within a polylobe cantonned with annulets. Nice patina, about Extremely Fine.)"
The Aragonese ruled Sicily until the death of Ferdinand of Aragon in 1516. James ceded Sicily to Charles II of Anjou in 1296 but the Sicilians crowned James' brother Frederick instead.
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: 2.63 g, silver, this specimen 3,24 g.
Catalog reference: Spahr 32; M.E.C. XIV, -.
- Grierson, Philip, Coins of Medieval Europe, London: B. A. Seaby Ltd., 1991.
- [1]Elsen, Philippe, et al., Vente Publique 162: Collection Jacques Druart, Brussels: Jean Elsen et ses Fils S.A., 2025.
Link to:
- Sicily (1285-96) pierreale, James I
- Sicily (1355-77) pierreale, Frederick IV
- Coins and currency dated 1296