thumb|right|Example of a Neapolitan augustale, showing a Roman Emperor

An augustalis or augustale, also agostaro, was a gold coin minted in the Kingdom of Sicily beginning in 1229 or in 1231 according to others.

History

It was issued by Frederick II, Holy Roman Emperor (from 1220) and King of Sicily (from 1198), and was minted until his death in 1250. In addition, a half augustalis was issued. It was identical in design, but smaller and half the weight. It was struck at Naples starting from 1229, Brindisi and Messina starting from 1231, with accompanying billon deniers. The name augustalis means literally "of the august one", referring to the coin's provenance from the emperor himself, but also linking it with the Roman Emperor, who was commonly styled Augustus.

It has recently been shown that the obverse shows the eagle, while the reverse features portraits of various Roman emperors. The order of the two is unmistakable, thanks to the text relating to the titles of Frederick II.

See also

  • History of coins in Italy

References

  • <!-- permalink --> An augustalis at the Kunsthistorisches Museum Vienna
  • A half augustalis at the American Numismatic Society
  • - comprehensive study