Desana (1618-30) tallero Dav-3891
This specimen was lot 2983 in Sincona sale 83 (Zürich, May 2023), where it sold for 5,000 CHF (about US$6,692 including buyer's fees). The catalog description[1] noted, "Antonio Maria Tizzone, 1598-1641. Tallero o. J., Desana. Imitation eines Salzburger Talers von Marcus Sitticus von Hohenems. Äusserst selten. Vorzüglich. Überdurchschnittliche Erhaltung (undated tallero, Desana mint. Imitation of a Salzburg thaler of Marcus Sitticus von Hohenems (Dav-3492, issued 1614-19). Extremely rare, Extremely fine, Extraordinary condition)." Today Desana is an insignificant village in the Piedmont region of Italy, population 1,085 as of 2004. It was a semi-independent enclave in the duchy of Savoy, ruled by the Tizzoni 1411-1693. A mint was opened in 1510 to strike imitations of coins of neighboring states. Antonio Maria II was count 1598-1641.
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: silver, this specimen is 27.39 g.
Catalog reference: MIR 551 (R3), Dav-3891, KM 32.
- Cuhaj, George S., and Thomas Michael, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1601-1700, 6th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2014.
- Davenport, John S., European Crowns, 1600-1700, Galesburg, IL, 1974.
- [1]Richter, Jürg, SINCONA Auction 83, World and Swiss Coins and Medals, Zürich: SINCONA AG, 2023.
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