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Auction: 374 - The Numismatic Collector's Series Sale at NYINC
Lot: 336

(x) Italy, Naples, Louis I 'Angevinsky', 'the Hungarian', King of Hungary, Croatia and latterly Poland, self-appointed Principate of Sicily and Jerusalem (c. 1347-1351), Goldgulden, + LODOVICI REX, fleur-de-lis, rev. St John the Baptist standing facing, 3.52g, 3h (Kopicki 10046 [R3]; Fb. 3; Huszar 512; Lengyel 3), slightly crimped, a pleasing very fine, rare

Provenance
The George Webber Collection of World Gold Coins

Louis was old enough to succeed his father in 1342, but his deeply religious mother enforced a protectorate upon him, largely on account of the centralised governance of the kingdom and its rich treasury. Almost immediately, Louis launched a crusade against the Lithuanians and restored royal power in Croatia; his troops defeating a Tatar army, and expanding his authority towards the Black Sea. When his brother, Andrew, Duke of Calabria, was assassinated in 1345, Louis accused Queen Joanna I of Naples of his murder and punishing her became the principal goal of his foreign policy. He launched two campaigns to the Kingdom of Naples between 1347 and 1350. His troops occupied large territories on both occasions, and Louis adopted the styles of Neapolitan sovereigns (including the title of King of Sicily and Jerusalem), but the Holy See never recognized his claim. Louis's arbitrary acts and atrocities committed by his mercenaries made his rule unpopular in Southern Italy. He withdrew all his troops from the Kingdom of Naples in 1351. It is understood the imitation of the Florence 'St John the Baptist' coinage dates to these campaigns.

Subject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium.

Sold for
$1,300

Starting price
$400