✨ Hohenstaufen Masterpiece — Medieval Coin Spotlight ✨
Frederick II – Denaro, Messina or Brindisi (1248)
A striking denaro from the late reign of Frederick II, House of Hohenstaufen (1194–1268). Minted in Messina or Brindisi in 1248, this example is preserved near to extremely fine, an exceptional quality for this rare and historically charged issue.
Obverse: + ROM INPR SEP AVG – In the field, FR above, 2
Reverse: + RIERSL’ ET SICIL’ – Cross
Metal: Billon
Weight: 0.87 g
Diameter: 17 mm
Axis: 6 h
References: Spahr 146; MEC XIV – ; Travaini 47
Condition: Near to extremely fine
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👑 Frederick II — “Stupor Mundi” at the Height of Power
By 1248, Frederick II was nearing the end of his extraordinary reign as:
•King of Sicily (1198–1250)
•King of Germany (1212–1220)
•Holy Roman Emperor (1220–1250)
He was a ruler of unmatched intellect and cultural vision, celebrated as the “Wonder of the World.”
Under his rule, Sicily became a center of scientific thought, legal reform, and artistic innovation.
🦅 Imperial Identity on the Coinage
The obverse legend ROM INPR SEP AVG echoes the imperial titles of the ancient Roman Caesars, showing Frederick’s deliberate attempt to revive Roman imperial ideology.
The concise but powerful reverse legend, RIERSL’ ET SICIL’, reaffirms his authority as King of Jerusalem and Sicily — a dual claim few medieval rulers could assert.
🌍 A Multicultural Kingdom
Coins struck in Sicily and southern Italy under Frederick II reflect the unique blend of Latin, Norman, Byzantine, and Arab influences that defined his kingdom. The clarity of the legends on this specimen highlights the mint’s precision during one of the most politically intense moments of Frederick’s life, as he battled the papacy and rebellious German princes.
🪙 A Rare Late-Reign Issue
Coins of this phase — especially in such strong condition — are sought after both for their rarity and for their connection to one of medieval Europe’s most brilliant and complex rulers.