Catalogue information

LastDodo number
8551505
Area
Coins
Title
Messina, Sicily 1 denaro (Manfred) 1258-1266 - Brindisi (Spahr 193)
Country
Face value
Year
1260
Variety / overstrike
Type
Designer
Series
Theme
Material
Gold- or silver content
Weight
0.53
Diameter
18
Thickness
Punch
Shape
Obverse
MAYNFR REX
Reverse
+ SICILIE
Edge
Privy mark
Mint mark
Number produced
Krause and Mishler number
Catalogue number
Spahr# 193
Details
Obv; ornate "M", with "AYNFR REX" around Rev; "+SICILIE" around a cross Manfred (Manfredi; 1232-1266) was the last King of Sicily of the Hohenstaufen dynasty, reigning from 1258 until his death. The natural son of the Holy Roman Emperor Frederick II, Manfred became regent over the kingdom of Sicily on behalf of his nephew Conradin in 1254. As regent he subdued rebellions in the kingdom, until in 1258 he usurped Conradin's rule. After an initial attempt to appease pope Innocent IV he took up the ongoing conflict between the Hohenstaufens and the papacy through combat and political alliances. He defeated the papal army at Foggia on 2 December 1254. Excommunicated by three successive popes, Manfred was the target of a Crusade (1255–66) called first by Pope Alexander IV and then by Urban IV. Nothing came of Alexander's call, but Urban enlisted the aid of Charles of Anjou in overthrowing Manfred. Manfred was killed during his defeat by Charles at the Battle of Benevento, and Charles assumed kingship of Sicily.