Milan

Otto IV, King of Italy 1198-1215

Biaggi 1062, PCGS-graded MS-62

Struck at Lucca; an exquisite specimen! Rare with such a marvelous portrait, his name and rank boldly shown as OTTO REX.

Born in England and growing up in the court of King Henry II, Otto’s maternal uncle was Richard I; in 1190, he joined the Third Crusade, in reward for which Richard appointed him Earl of York. He became king of Germany in 1198 but so angered Pope Innocent III that he was excommunicated.