ITALY. Kingdom of Sicily. Messina. Pierreale, ND (1282-85). Constance and Peter III of Aragon (1282-85). NGC MS-67.

Fr-654; cf. MEC-756. Obverse: + o P o DEI o GR'A o ARAGOn o SICIL : REX o || + o SUMMA o POTEnCIA o ES o T o In DEO o, concentric legends around arms of Aragon; reverse: + COSTA - DEI - GRA - ARAG - SICIL' REG || + XPS - VInCIT - XPS - REGnAT - XPS - IMPAT, concentric legends around uncrowned Hohenstaufen eagle. An early issue of Medieval Europe, produced around the time of the first ducats and florins, and preserved in nearly as struck quality with ultra crisp definition in the central eagle and correspond shield as well as essentially no marks over the beaming surfaces. An interesting variety as well, this "uncrowned eagle" design type is thought to date from June 1282 and April 1283, prior to the arrival of Constance in Sicily. Sure to raise eyebrows in this essentially unheard of (and unrivaled for the issue) grade.

Ex: D. Moore Collection.