Avignon (1447-55) 2 deniers Ber-345
This specimen was lot 896 in Jean Elsen sale 162 (Brussels, June 2025), where it sold for €460 (about US$638 including buyer's fees). The catalog description[1] noted,
"FRANCE, ÉTATS PONTIFICAUX, Nicolas V (1447-1455), (Tommaso Parentucelli), billon double denier, Avignon. D/ Mitre au-dessus des clés entre P-P. R/ Croix pattée cantonnée de deux mitres et deux groupes de clés en sautoir. Rare. (France, Papal States, Nicholas V, 1447-55, billon double denier, Avignon mint. Obverse: miter above crossed keys and two P's; reverse: cross pattée cantonned with two miters and two pairs of crossed keys. Rare, Very Fine.)"
This type is listed in Numista as a quarter grosso. Wikipedia comments, "The pontificate of Nicholas saw the fall of Constantinople to the Ottoman Turks and the end of the Hundred Years' War. He responded by calling a crusade against the Ottomans, which never materialized. He ...brought about the submission of the last of the antipopes, Felix V, and the dissolution of the Synod of Basel. He strengthened [Roman] fortifications, restored aqueducts, and rebuilt many churches. He ordered design plans for what would eventually be the Basilica of St. Peter."
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: 0.83 g, billon, 20 mm diameter, this specimen 0,74 g.
Catalog reference: Munt. 23; Berman 345; P.A. 4251.
- 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.
- Roberts, James N., The Silver Coins of Medieval France (476-1610 AD), S. Salem, NY: Attic Books, 1996.
- [1]Elsen, Philippe, et al., Vente Publique 162: Collection Jacques Druart, Brussels: Jean Elsen et ses Fils S.A., 2025.
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