Sicily William II the Good AE Follaro (1166-1189) Central Cross Pattee Messina

An intriguing and scarcer variant of the bronze follaro struck under the Norman King William II in Messina. While the standard issues utilize a two-line horizontal text on the Latin face, this distinct variety features a prominent, bold cross pattée in the center of the inner circle, with the royal title wrapping entirely around the border.

An evocative piece of multi-cultural Crusader-era history, blending the Latin-European administrative style of the ruling Normans with the local Byzantine and Islamic striking traditions of Southern Italy

Era: Medieval

Date: ND (1166-1189)

Denomination: Follaro / Fractional Follaro

Ruler: William II "The Good" (Guglielmo II)

Mint: Messina

Weight: 0.88g

Country/Region of Manufacture: Italy (Kingdom of Sicily)