Reale - Pietro IV d'Aragona

Historical Context: This Reale, issued by the Kingdom of Sardinia under Pietro IV d'Aragona (Peter IV, "the Ceremonious"), dates from his reign spanning 1336-1387. Pietro IV was a formidable Aragonese monarch who significantly expanded and consolidated the Crown of Aragon's Mediterranean influence. Sardinia, a strategically vital possession, was a key battleground for Aragonese power against local potentates and rival maritime republics. The minting of this silver Reale served as a potent declaration of Aragonese sovereignty and economic authority over the island, underscoring the crown's administrative reach.

Artistry: While the engraver remains anonymous, typical for medieval coinage, the Reale exhibits stylistic characteristics of the late Gothic period prevalent in Aragonese mints. The design likely features a prominent heraldic device, such as the Aragonese palle (bars) or a patriarchal cross on the obverse, symbolizing royal authority. The reverse would typically display a cross or other dynastic emblem, often within a legend proclaiming the monarch's title. The overall aesthetic reflects a functional yet symbolic approach to coin design, emphasizing legibility and royal messaging over intricate detail.

Technical/Grading: Struck in silver, weighing 3.11 grams and measuring 25 millimeters, this Reale adheres to the established monetary standards of the era. Key high-points for preservation assessment include the central elements of the heraldry, such as the crown or the specific features of the Aragonese bars, and the lettering of the legends. Due to manual striking techniques, examples often exhibit variations in strike quality, including minor off-centering, irregular flans, or areas of flatness. A well-centered strike with clear legends and minimal wear on the central devices would be highly prized.