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World Coin Auction 6 20 Mar 2025
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Very fine, weakness | ITALY. SICILY. Frederick II.
Gold Tari, 1198. Amalfi mint.
This scyphate (concave) tari from Amalfi bears both Hegira 595 and 1198 AD dates—the earliest Christian date on any coin—marking Frederick II and Constance's investiture by Pope Innocent III. Amalfi, a prosperous maritime republic since the 7th century known for its multiculturalism and trade, had adopted Islamic-style coinage including the gold tarì. While the Anno Domini calendar was created in the 6th century, this 1198 coin represents its first use on currency, predating other European examples by decades. The coin was minted when three-year-old Frederick II, son of Holy Roman Emperor Henry VI and Norman heiress Constance, became King of Sicily under papal authority.
Obv.: Outer Kufic legend 'struck in his reign in the year five hundred ninety-five'; inner Latin legend ⧾ FRE REX SICILIE; all around palm tree in fruit in central circle.
Rev.: Outer Kufic legend 'struck in the year one-hundred one-thousand ninety and eight; inner Kufic legend 'Constance imperatrix of the Romans', around Latin cross in central circle.
Very fine, weakness.
Reference: MIR 36; MEC 14, p.166 fig. 3b; Clifton 2007, p.258; Friedberg 51
Diameter: 24 mm.
Weight: 0.86 g.
Composition: Gold.
PLEASE NOTE: A 22.50% buyer's premium will be charged separately. VAT on the buyer's premium may apply in accordance with UK regulations. Payment can be made in EUR, CHF, or USD for an exchange fee. Please contact us to find out more.
Estimate: 1600 - 2000 GBP
Gold Tari, 1198. Amalfi mint.
This scyphate (concave) tari from Amalfi bears both Hegira 595 and 1198 AD dates—the earliest Christian date on any coin—marking Frederick II and Constance's investiture by Pope Innocent III. Amalfi, a prosperous maritime republic since the 7th century known for its multiculturalism and trade, had adopted Islamic-style coinage including the gold tarì. While the Anno Domini calendar was created in the 6th century, this 1198 coin represents its first use on currency, predating other European examples by decades. The coin was minted when three-year-old Frederick II, son of Holy Roman Emperor Henry VI and Norman heiress Constance, became King of Sicily under papal authority.
Obv.: Outer Kufic legend 'struck in his reign in the year five hundred ninety-five'; inner Latin legend ⧾ FRE REX SICILIE; all around palm tree in fruit in central circle.
Rev.: Outer Kufic legend 'struck in the year one-hundred one-thousand ninety and eight; inner Kufic legend 'Constance imperatrix of the Romans', around Latin cross in central circle.
Very fine, weakness.
Reference: MIR 36; MEC 14, p.166 fig. 3b; Clifton 2007, p.258; Friedberg 51
Diameter: 24 mm.
Weight: 0.86 g.
Composition: Gold.
PLEASE NOTE: A 22.50% buyer's premium will be charged separately. VAT on the buyer's premium may apply in accordance with UK regulations. Payment can be made in EUR, CHF, or USD for an exchange fee. Please contact us to find out more.
Estimate: 1600 - 2000 GBP