Italy, Conrad II (Conradin, 1254-1258), Half Denaro or Obol con CR, Messina(?), CR with omega above, SECVNDVS R around, reverse cross, 0.22gm (T. 61a, this coin; Sp. –; SNC 1990, p.201, fig.1, and NC 1991, pl.45, 1, this coin). Cracked, fair to fine, extremely rare, believed to be the only known specimen (£50-100)

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Italo Volgano Collection of Sicilian Coins.

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Ex Asta Internationale del Titano (San Marino) Auction 24 (419).

Conrad II, known as Conradin, was only 2 years old when he succeeded his father in 1254. He was sent to Rome for his own protection while the Kingdom of Sicily was governed by baronial loyalists. His uncle, Manfred, became Regent, and in August 1258 took the Sicilian crown for himself after spreading a rumour of Conradin’s premature death. After Manfred’s death in battle at the hands of the army of Charles of Anjou in 1266, Conradin attempted to repossess his kingdom, but was captured by Charles’ army, imprisoned and beheaded in 1268