Sicily. Charles I d'Anjou (1266-1285) gold Reale d'Oro ND (1266-1278) AU55 NGC, Messina mint, Fr-653, MEC XIV-624var, MIR-143. 5.17gm. +• KΛROL' | • DЄI: GRΛ •, Crowned bust flanked by rosette / +R | ЄX SI | CILI | Є, Ten lis within triangular shield of arms. A design closely drawn from the original Augustale struck during the reign of Frederick II, which itself took heavy inspiration from the designs of ancient Roman gold coins. An important type representing a turning point in the artistic development of medieval European numismatic design, portraying a large-scale portrait of the sovereign that provided a depiction much nearer to realism than had been achieved prior. The present piece is both the first of its kind we have had the pleasure of offering as well as an amazingly preserved example of the type, near-fully struck and retaining much detail, nicely centered and draped with glossy sun-gold surfaces. A significant piece for collectors of both Italian gold and general medieval coinage.

HID09801242017

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