CNG 93, Lot: 1606. Estimate $1000. Sold for $850. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

ITALY, Papale (Stato pontificio). Brancaleone d’Andalò. 1252-1255 and 1257-1258. AR Grosso (25mm, 3.27 g, 10h). Rome mint. + BRAnCALЄ•O• S • P • Q • R, lion standing left on ground line / Roma enthroned facing, holding globus and palm. CNI XV 40; Muntoni 3; Berman 96. Good VF, toned. Rare.

Belonging to a Bolognese noble family and a supporter of the Ghibellines, Brancaleone degli Andalò was proposed for the office of Senator in Rome by the local government of Bologna. During the twelfth and thirteenth centuries, Rome was experiencing a rise in prosperity, due, in part, to the pilgrim traffic. At the same time, and like other Italian cities, the city was enjoying an increase in local autonomy. The entrepreneurs and new families were replacing the old aristocracy. Inspired by the influx of new wealth and rebuilding, Rome took on communal status, meaning substantial freedom from papal authority. The new government was based on the ancient Roman Senate; in 1143 Rome became a Republic ruled by a Senate. The city, however, was caught in the middle of the struggles between the Papacy and the Holy Roman Emperor. Because of Rome’s unique position in relation to the Church and the numerous conflicts between the Popes and the local Roman magnates, as well as among the magnates themselves, the city hoped that the election of a foreign Senator would achieve some level of peace. Thus, the election of Brancaleone degli Andalò in 1252. Accepting the position as long as his safety was secure, Brancaleone degli Andalò was to hold the office for three years. After 1255 and, in order to secure his safety and independence, he continued to hold the office of Senator, exercising his post from Bologna. Until his death in 1258, Brancaleone degli Andalò sought to suppress the most powerful nobles, by destroying the strongholds (i.e. towers) of 140 of them. He also sought to balance the aspirations of the working citizenry by reorganizing them and issuing a law code inspired by those of his own region. Furthermore, he was heavily involved in trying to mitigate the problems caused by the struggles between the Pope and the Holy Roman Emperor (as well as those foreign rulers who tried to influence either side). Though most of his hard work failed to outlive him. He nevertheless remained a sort of secular saint to the Roman populace, who enshrined his head in a reliquary installed in the Capitol.