1155-1166 AD., Italy, Crusader States, Normans of Sicily, William I, Follaro fraction, Spahr 99.

Italy, Crusader States, Normans of Sicily, William I (1154-1166), Messina mint, dated AH 550 (1155-1166 AD.),
Æ Follaro fraction (13-15 mm / 0,77 g), bronze, concave shape, observed weights: 0,65-1,32 g., axes about medal alignment ↑↑ (ca. 30°), double strike on reverse,
Obv.: MP / ΘV , nimbate busts of the virgin Mary and child, legend in two lines to left - busto della vergine con bambino, a sinistra MP / Y.
Rev.: RЄX / .W. , two lines legend within a linear center circle, Arabic (Kufic) legend around: "struck in Messina (in the) five hundredth fiftieth year" (= AH 550 / 1155-1166 AD.); double strike - in due righe nel campo entro cerchio lineare; legenda araba marginale: "coniato a Messina l'anno cinquantesimo cinquecentesimo".
Spahr 99 ; MIR 33 common) ; MIN 302 ; M.E.C. XIV, 286 .