Sale: Triton IX, Lot: 1935. Estimate $2000.  Closing Date: Monday, 9 January 2006.  Sold For $3000. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

ITALY, Papal States. John VIII, with Louis II of Italy, Holy Roman Emperor. 872-882 AD. AR Denier (1.25 g, 5h). Struck 872-875 AD. SCS PETRVS, IOHANS monogram / +LVDOVVICVS IMP (ligate), ROMA monogram. CNI XV 1; Muntoni 1; Berman 35; Depeyrot 867AA; MEC 1, 1052. Good VF, some encrustation. Very rare. ($2000)

John VIII, son of Gundus, seems to have been born in the first quarter of the ninth century. In 853 AD and 869 AD he was archdeacon of the Roman Church, and it was as such that he became pope on 14 December 872 AD. His election was opposed by Formosus, who remained in opposition to him throughout the whole of his pontificate. All modern historians are agreed that John was one of the greatest of the great popes who sat on the chair of Peter during the ninth century. His pontificate was noted for the progressive conversion of the Slavs, delicate diplomatic relations with the Carolingian Empire and the Saracen raids which constantly threatened Italy and Rome itself.

Louis II, though not even master of Italy, bore at this time the title of Emperor of the Romans. To him, as a prince of character, John gave his support. He endeavoured to induce Charles the Bald, King of France, to yield up to him the kingdom of Lothaire; he aided him in his efforts against the Saracens, and, after his death (875 AD), strove to comfort his widow Engelberga. When Louis II died, John's support of Charles the Bald resulted in his receiving the imperial crown (25 December 875 AD), and in the discomfiture of his rivals.