Grosso d'oro ND. 3.60 g. Struck in the name of Otto IV, under the authority of Emperor Frederick II 1190-1250. Obverse: OTTO REX, featuring the monogram of Otto. Reverse: S VVLT' D LVCA, depicting the Volto Santo di Lucca (Holy Face of Lucca). The Holy Face of Lucca is an 8th century wooden carving of Jesus in the cathedral of San Martino in Lucca. Medieval legends state that it was sculpted by Nicodemus, who assisted St. Joseph of Arimathea in placing Christ in his tomb after the crucifixion.
The legend OTTO REX indicates that the coin was struck during Otto's reign as King of Italy 1208-1212.
An exceptional specimen of highest rarity.
Referanse:
Fr. 483 (this coin)
Proveniens:
Ex. Sincona 50, 23.10.2018, lot 1118
Proveniens 2:
Ex. Morton & Eden in association with Sotheby's, Sale 24, 28.11.2006, lot 494
Info:
Featured on the front cover of Morton & Eden Sale 24
