Bologna (1512-13) grossone
This specimen was lot 1296 in Künker sale 403 (Osnabrück, March 2024), where it sold for €700 (about US$919 including buyer's fees). The catalog description[1] noted,
"PAPST JULIUS II., 1503-1513. Die Münzstätte Bologna. Grossone (Gabellotto) o. J. (1512), Bologna. Mit dem Familienwappen von Cardinale Legato Giovanni de’ Medici auf der Vorderseite. Sehr schön-vorzüglich. Exemplar der Slg. Klaus Bronny, Auktion Münzen & Medaillen Deutschland 26, Stuttgart 2008, Nr. 91. (Papal States, Julius II, 1503-13, undated grossone or gabelloto, circa 1512, Bologna mint, with the family arms of Cardinal Giovanni de’ Medici on the obverse. Very fine to extremely fine.)"
The grossone or gabelloto was an obscure denomination which circulated only in Bologna. It had a face value of 15 quattrini. Note that while the cardinal legate's arms are shown on the obverse, the pope is not mentioned. It was a turbulent time in the Papal State, with Julius II attempting to assert control over the semi-independent communes such as Bologna, Urbino and Ferrara. Wikipedia comments, "Annibale II Bentivoglio (1467 – June 1540) was an Italian condottiero, who was shortly lord of Bologna in 1511–1512. He was the last member of his family to hold power in the city. He was the son of Giovanni II Bentivoglio."
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: 2.78 g, silver, this specimen 2,64 g.
Catalog reference: Berman 606; Muntoni 97; Toffanin 585 (RR).
- 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.
- [1]Künker, Fritz Rudolf, Horst-Rudiger Künker, Ulrich Künker and Andreas Kaiser, Katalog 403: Coins and Medals of the Popes - The significant collection of a southwest German entrepreneur, Osnabrück: Fritz Rudolf Künker GmbH & Co., AG, 2024.
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