Sicily 1557-TP 4 tari
This specimen was lot 1275 in Jean Elsen sale 159 (Brussels, June 2024), where it sold for €440 (about US$565 including buyer's fees). The catalog description[1] noted,
"ITALIE, SICILE, Philippe II (1556-1598), AR 4 tari, 1557 TP, Messine. D/ B. cuir. à d. R/ Aigle éployée, t. à g. Taches au droit. Très Beau à Superbe. (Italy, kingdom of Sicily, Philip II, 1556-98, silver four tari, Messina mint. obverse: armored bust right; reverse: eagle displayed, head left. Stains on the obverse, very fine to extremely fine.)"
The portrait is of Philip II of Spain. The Spanish Hapsburgs ruled Naples and Sicily as part of their Aragonese inheritance from the death of Ferdinand the Catholic in 1517 until the death of Charles II in 1700. Twelve tari made a piastra altho no piastri were struck for the kingdom in this century.
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: silver; this specimen 11,45 g.
Catalog reference: Spahr 17; M.I.R. 317/2.
- [1]Elsen, Philippe, et al., Vente Publique 159, Collection Harry Dewit, Brussels: Jean Elsen et ses Fils S.A., 2024.
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