Italy, Lucca

Otto IV, King of Italy 1198-1215

Biaggi 1062, PCGS-graded MS-62

+ · OTTO R?X ·, Otto monogram. Reverse: + · S VVLTA · D? LVCA ·, crowned head of Otto IV facing.

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.