Sicily

Charles I of Anjou, King of Sicily and Naples 1266-1282

Spahr *3; Grierson 624, PCGS-graded MS-62

An elegant and charming coin, choice in all respects.

Carlo, as he was known in Sicily, with the blessings of Pope Urban iV, seized the kingdom of Sicily from the Hohenstaufens in 1263. He annihilated Manfred’s army and was crowned in Rome on 5 January 1266. His reign was mostly peaceful and his policies enriched merchants; he supported medicine and law with generous grants of gold to students. He was a man of culture who studied architecture and wrote poetry.