Naples

Charles I of Anjou, King of Naples 1266-1285

Fr-808, PCGS-graded MS-65

Scarce; an ideal specimen, bold in all details, perfectly centered, and having choice gold surfaces.

Charles I conquered Naples and Sicily in the 1260s by defeating Manfred and Conradin, the last of the Hohenstaufen dynasty, at Benevento (1266) and Tagliacozzo (1268). When he tried to move his capital from Palermo to Naples, rebellion broke out in 1282 and in a terrific battle in the Bay of Naples in June 1284 his navy was defeated. He died suddenly, getting ready to counter-attack.