Sicily (1355-77) pierreale
This specimen was lot 1577 in Jean Elsen sale 162 (Brussels, June 2025), where it sold for €700 (about US$970 including buyer's fees). The catalog description[1] noted,
"ITALIE, SICILE, Frédéric IV le Simple (1355-1377), AR pierreale, Messine. D/ Aigle éployée et couronnée, t. à d., dans un polylobe cantonné de globules. R/ Écu d'Aragon sous une petite couronne, entre P-G, dans un polylobe cantonné de globules. Belle patine. (Italy, kingdom of Sicily, Frederick IV the Simple, 1355-77, silver pierreale, Messina mint. Obverse: eagle displayed, head right, within a polylobe cantonned with annulets; reverse: arms of Aragon under a small crown, within a polylobe cantonned with pellets. Nice patina, Extremely Fine.)"
The Aragonese ruled Sicily until the death of Ferdinand of Aragon in 1516. Frederick, the grandson of Frederick III, defended his island kingdom against Angevin attacks until his death in 1377, aged 35 years.
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: 3.25 g, silver, this specimen 3,24 g.
Catalog reference: Spahr 54 var.
- 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 (1296-1337) pierreale, Frederick III
- Coins and currency dated 1355