Search


CNG Bidding Platform

Information

Products and Services



Research Coins: Electronic Auction

 
347, Lot: 681. Estimate $100.
Sold for $75. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

FRANCE, Provincial. Provence (comté). Alphonse II. As King of Aragon, 1164-1196. Denier – Royal coronat (18mm, 0.90 g, 3h). Marseilles mint. Struck circa 1186-1196. + RЄX ARA GO(NE), crowned head left; annulet stops / PO VI NC IA, long cross pattée; three pellets at at end of each bar. Rolland 11; cf. Duplessy, Féodales 1611 (for type); Poey d'Avant 3930. Good VF, toned.


From the Michael Joffre Collection.

Mid-12th century Provence is a perfect example of the complex systems of marriage alliances that characterized European politics at the time. The Catalan rulers of Aragon desired lands in southern France, but these were held by the counts of Toulouse. As the ruler of Toulouse, Raymond IV, was excommunicated and thus out of favor of the church, Raimond-Bérenger III of Barcelona was able to obtain permission to marry Douce I, countess of Provence, and the two ruled jointly until Douce’s death. The territory would remain in Aragonese hands through the House of Barcelona until Raimond IV (V) died without male heirs in 1245. The title would then pass to his daughter, Beatrice, and her husband, Charles d’Anjou.