Catalogo
| Emittente | Sicily, Kingdom of |
|---|---|
| Anno | 1139 |
| Tipo | Standard circulation coin |
| Valore | 1 Follaro (1⁄72) |
| Valuta | Tari (1060-1754) |
| Composizione | Bronze |
| Peso | 1.3 g |
| Diametro | 14 mm |
| Spessore | |
| Forma | Octagonal (8-sided, Irregular; nonagonal also seen) |
| Tecnica | Hammered |
| Orientamento | |
| Incisore/i | |
| In circolazione fino al | |
| Riferimento/i | Spahr1#62 |
| Descrizione del dritto | Kufic inscription in four lines, date on lowest line |
|---|---|
| Scrittura del dritto | Arabic (kufic) |
| Legenda del dritto |
(Translation: By the order of Roger the Great, with God`s help, struck in Messina 533) |
| Descrizione del rovescio | Christ pantokrator |
| Scrittura del rovescio | Greek |
| Legenda del rovescio |
IC XC (Translation: Jesus Christ) |
| Bordo | |
| Zecca | |
| Tiratura |
533 (1139) - 8 Sept 1138 - 27 Aug, 1139 - |
| ID Numisquare | 8172485360 |
| Informazioni aggiuntive |
Historical Context: This 1 Follaro coin was issued in 1139 under Ruggero II (Roger II), the formidable first King of Sicily. His reign (1130-1154) marked the consolidation of Norman power in Southern Italy and Sicily, establishing a sophisticated multi-cultural kingdom. The bronze Follaro served as the backbone of daily commerce, facilitating trade within a realm that synthesized Norman, Byzantine, and Islamic traditions. This period was crucial for the nascent kingdom's stability and economic integration.
Artistry: The engraver of this modest bronze piece remains anonymous, typical for medieval coinage of this class. Stylistically, it belongs to the Norman-Sicilian school, blending Western medieval forms with elements from Byzantine and Islamic traditions. For the Spahr 62 type, the design typically features a central cross, often with pellets, on one side and a Kufic inscription on the reverse. This reflects the diverse linguistic and cultural heritage of Ruggero's kingdom, constrained by the small 14mm flan.
Technical/Grading: Given its bronze composition and 14mm diameter, the technical strike quality of this Follaro often varies significantly. High-points for wear and strike typically include the central cross and prominent elements of the Kufic inscription. Due to hand-hammered production, examples frequently exhibit irregular flans, weak strikes, and off-centering, particularly around the legends. Porosity in the bronze is also common. A well-centered example with clear central devices and legible inscriptions is considered exceptional.