ITALY, Kingdom of Sicily. Charles d'Anjou. 1266-1285. Æ Denaro (0.61 gm). Messina mint. +. K[. DI. GRA]CIA., crowned bust left / +. R[EX SIC]ILIE, cross potent, three pellets in 2nd and 4th quadrants. Spahr 21 (James of Aragon); MEC 14, 659; Biaggi -. VF, dark green patina, partial flat strike. Very Rare. $365.
Charles d'Anjou, youngest son of Louis VIII of France, was one of the most remarkable men of his age. He started out as the Count of Provence at the age of 20, and at 21 was created Count of Anjou and Maine. By his 40's he was a major political figure in Italian and Sicilian politics. Well known for the ruthlessness with which he pursued his ambition for power, he was also an art lover and a patron of the arts.
