Italy - middle age - Benevento – Prince Sicone (817–832)
AR Denaro, 1.19 g, 17.5 mm
Obv.: PRIHCES BENEBEHTI; monogram.
Rev.: ARCHANGELVS MICHAEL; cross potent on three steps.
Ref.: Biaggi 323
Rarity: Rare. Grade: BB (Fine/Very Fine).**
Unusual type - any visual elements on monogram - last exemplar Sold in 2011 for 668 USD. FRITZ RUDOLF KÜNKER, AUCTION 183, LOT 1755
⸻
Description & Historical Context
This silver denaro was struck under Prince Sicone of Benevento, who ruled the Lombard Principality from 817 to 832, a period marked by political assertion and regional consolidation in Southern Italy. The obverse bears the inscription PRIHCES BENEBEHTI (“Prince of Benevento”), accompanied by a Lombard monogram—an emblematic feature of Beneventan coinage that combines royal authority with traditional Lombard artistic habits.
The reverse legend ARCHANGELVS MICHAEL honors Saint Michael the Archangel, the heavenly patron of the Lombards, whose cult was especially revered at Monte Sant’Angelo in Apulia. Beneventan coinage frequently invoked Saint Michael as a symbol of divine protection and legitimacy. The cross potent atop a triple step (representing the steps of Golgotha or a ceremonial base) reflects both Christian devotion and Byzantine stylistic influence.
⸻
About Prince Sicone
Sicone (Sico) was one of the more assertive early 9th-century Lombard princes. He came to power after a turbulent period of succession and worked to strengthen Benevento’s autonomy amidst pressures from the Carolingian Empire, Byzantine forces, and rival Lombard dynasties.
Key aspects of his reign include:
•Territorial expansion, especially toward the Campanian coast.
•Diplomatic maneuvering between the Franks and Byzantines to maintain Lombard independence.
•Efforts to fortify Benevento as a cultural and political center.
•Enhancing the principality’s economic stability—reflected in the revival of coinage.
His coinage is relatively scarce, as Beneventan mint output during this period was modest, making surviving examples like this denaro rare and historically significant.
⸻
Benevento in the 9th Century
The Principality of Benevento was the most enduring Lombard state in Southern Italy. By the early 800s, it had developed a distinct political identity separate from the fallen Lombard Kingdom of Pavia (conquered by Charlemagne in 774).
During Sicone’s rule:
•Benevento maintained de facto independence despite nominal Frankish overlordship.
•The city flourished as a trade hub, connecting Adriatic and Tyrrhenian markets.
•The local script, administration, and coinage showed a unique blend of Lombard, Carolingian, and Byzantine influences.
•The principality became a cultural crossroads, preserving Lombard traditions while integrating Mediterranean artistic and religious elements.
Coins from this era provide valuable insight into the evolving identity of Southern Italy during the Early Middle Ages.
⸻
Numismatic Significance
This denaro is a noteworthy example of early medieval Southern Italian coinage. The combination of Lombard monogram, Christian iconography, and the invocation of Saint Michael makes it a highly desirable type for collectors of Lombard, Beneventan, or early Medieval numismatics.
Its rarity (R), respectable condition (BB/Fine-VF), and solid weight for the issue enhance its desirability.