Avignon 1663 luigino KM-94
This specimen was lot 1262 in Sincona sale 63 (Zürich, June 2020), where it sold for 250 CHF (about US$313 including buyer's fees). The catalog description[1] noted,
"ITALY | Vatican - Church State, Alexander VII. 1655-1667. Luigino 1663, Avignon. Selten. Sehr schön. (Italy, Papal States, Alexander VII, 1655-67, luigino of 1663, Avignon mint. Rare, Very fine.)"
There was a brief vogue in the 1660's for striking imitations of the French douzième d'écu for use in trade with Turkey. The papal legate in Avignon joined in and struck KM 92 (crowned arms on reverse) in 1660-66, and KM 94 (arms in octolobe, shown here), in 1662-65. The arrogance of the cardinal who placed his own portrait on the coin instead of the pope or some martyred saint doubtless caused comment.
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: 2.28 g, 0.917 fine silver, 19-20 mm diameter, this specimen 2.03 g.
Catalog reference: Berman 1958, KM 94.
- [1]Richter, Jürg, Sincona sale 63: Gold and Silver Coins and Medals, SINCONA Bullion Auction, Zürich: SINCONA AG, 2020.
- 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.
- Cuhaj, George S., and Thomas Michael, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1601-1700, 6th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2014.
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