Charles II, the Fat, 884-888

Cf. Prou 881, PCGS graded XF-40

The Carolingian Holy Roman Emperor Charles II is traditionally given the nickname “the Fat,” but there is no evidence that this name was contemporary (it first appears in chronicles of the twelfth century) or that Charles II was especially large in size. Nevertheless, he had a reputation for being lethargic and inept, which led to his ultimate downfall. After the death of his father, Louis II, he succeeded in East Francia and was crowned Holy Roman Emperor in 881. However, it took him until 884 to reconstitute the entirety of the Carolingian Frankish Empire of Charlemagne through inheritance. His reign was not pleasing to many Frankish nobles and his tendency to buy off Viking raiders than fight them—especially when they besieged Paris itself in 885-886—seemed outright shameful. By 887 the nobles had had enough and Charles II was deposed by his nephew Arnulf of Carinthia. The united Frakish kingdom then quickly broke up into five independent successor kingdoms.

Arles. Blundered legends. L?PK[…]S MPEP?, short cross. Reverse: + ?RELV CI?ISH +, Karolus monogram.

Ex Cederlind (18 December 2007), 360