Hungary, Samuel Aba AR Denar. AD 1041-1044. +REX SAMVHEL, short cross with triangle in each quarter within dotted circle; all within dotted border / +PANONEIA, short cross with triangle in each quarter within circular linear border; all within circular linear border. CNH 10; Rethy-Probszt 2; Huszár 7. 0.68g, 18mm, 9h.

Extremely Fine; lustrous surfaces. Extremely Rare.

From the inventory of a European dealer.

Samuel Aba was a native lord and minor relative of the first King of Hungary, Stephen I. He was installed on the throne by the Hungarian lords following the deposition of Peter the Venetian, nephew of Stephen I, who's preference for foreign courtiers led to a rebellion against his rule. Peter himself had been selected over his cousin Vazul, the rightful heir after the death of his older brother Emeric, succeeding only after Vazul had been blinded and his sons expelled from the kingdom.

It is ironic considering the circumstances of his elevation that Samuel, according to the unanimous narration of the Hungarian chronicles, preferred commoners to noblemen, causing discontent among his former partisans. In 1044 he was captured and killed following a battle in which his army was routed by the smaller forces under the command of his predecessor Peter, supported by the German king Henry III.