Ancona (1799) 2 baiocchi
This specimen was lot 34374 in Heritage sale 3082 (New York, January 2020), where it sold for $660. The catalog description[1] noted, "Italy: Roman Republic. Ancona 2 Baiocchi ND (1799) MS64 PCGS, Ancona mint. A stunning survivor of this notoriously poorly made issue, both sides thick with die polish and an even sheen of cupric red color, while the edges remain characteristically ragged, but nearly full." The Roman Republic was formed to welcome the advancing French armies in 1798 and the pope fled to Venice and Austrian protection. When Napoleon left Italy for Paris, the puppet republics all collapsed and the pope returned to Rome, to rule until 1808. This type is listed for 1796-97 only and was struck in Ancona. The French invasion dislocated the economic system, causing the paper currency to collapse and hard money to go into hiding. The shortlived Roman Republic of 1798-99 was forced to issue one and two baiocchi pieces as emergency money. These vary widely in weight and diameter. Temporary branch mints operated 1798-99 to cope with the demand.
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: copper, 18 g, 32-34 mm diameter.
Catalog reference: KM 7, Montenegro-03, Ber-3167.
- Berman, Allen G., Papal Coins, South Salem, NY: Attic Books, 1991.
- Francesco Muntoni, Le Monete del Papi e Degli Stati Pontifici, 4 vols. Rome: P & P Santamaria, 1973.
- Michael, Thomas, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1701-1800, 7th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2016.
- Gigante, Fabio, Gigante 2016: Catalogo Nazionale delle Monete Italiano Dal '700 All'Euro, 24a ed. Varese, Italy, 2015.
- Montenegro, Eupremio, Montenegro 2015: Manuale del Collezionista di Monete Italiane, 30 ed., Torino, Italy: Montenegro s.a.s., 2014.
- [1]Bierrenbach, Cristiano, Warren Tucker and Sam Spiegel, Heritage World and Ancient Coins Online Auction 3082, featuring the Caranett Collection, Dallas, TX: Heritage Auction Galleries, 2019.
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