NORMANS KINGDOM OF SICILY - TANCRED AE FOLLARO, ND (1190-94), SPAHR 139

Description

Normans Kingdom of Sicily, TANCREDI, AE FOLLARO, NOT DATED, MINTED IN PALERMO/MESSINA (
AD 1190-1194
.) Beautiful
dark patina.
The coin is identified as Spahr 139.
ZENO #30284 and #117960, Biaggi 1237.
The
Obverse depicts the legend "King Tancred" in Arabic.
Reverse depicts REX and two pellets at center, ROGERIVS around. The coin w
eighs about 2.20 gr. and is about 1
3 mm. across.
A bit of history.
Tancred was King of Sicily from 1189 to 1194,
the year he died in
Palermo, Italy,
at the age of 56.
He was born in
1138 in
Lecce, an illegitimate son of Roger III, Duke of Apulia (the eldest son of King Roger II) by his mistress Emma, a daughter of Achard II, Count of Lecce. He inherited the title "Count of Lecce" from his grandfather and is consequently often referred to as Tancred of Lecce. Although a member of the Hauteville family, due to his illegitimate status he was known by the surname, Fitz Roger, meaning "son of Roger".
Tancred was crowned King Tancred I after seizing control of Sicily in a coup that was backed by some noble families.
Tancred had to often walk a tightrope during his rule and hold his position, at times, through negotiation with the likes of Richard I of England and King Philip II of France. This was followed by threats to his rule from Henry and Constance who claimed the Kingdom of Sicily as their own after they were crowned Holy Roman Emperor and Empress by Pope Celestine III. H
is reign as a King of Sicily was relatively short but turbulent.
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