A Medieval Silver Gigliato of Robert the Wise
Struck at Naples during the reign of Robert I of Anjou, known as Robert the Wise, this silver gigliato is one of the most distinctive and influential coin types of medieval southern Italy.
The obverse depicts Robert seated facing upon a lion-headed throne. The king wears a crown and holds a fleur-de-lis-tipped sceptre and globus cruciger, presenting him as both a temporal ruler and a monarch governing by divine authority.
The reverse bears a large cross fleurée, with a fleur-de-lis placed in each quarter. This elegant heraldic design reflects the Angevin dynasty’s French origins and gave the denomination its name: gigliato, from the Italian word giglio, meaning lily.
Introduced under the Angevin rulers of Naples, the gigliato became an important international silver coin. Its design was widely recognized and imitated throughout the Mediterranean, particularly in the Crusader and eastern trading regions.
Italy – Kingdom of Naples
Robert I “the Wise” of Anjou, 1309–1343
Naples Mint
AR Gigliato
3.85g - 25.5 mm
MIR 28; Pannuti–Riccio 1
Condition: Very Fine / Good Very Fine