Messina. Frederick II (1197-1250) gold Tari (1231-1250) AU58 NGC, 2.33gm, MEC XIV-522, Biaggi-1248. Pseudo-Kufic legend around group of 5 pellets / IC-XC (bars of contraction above) | NI-KΛ to either side of long cross. A comparatively scarcer type than the more prolific and widely known eagle issues, and one which harkens more to the tari's Fatimid roots, the whole of the strike possessed of a boldly etched appearance, resulting in edge cracks, and nearly perfectly centered.

HID99912102018