File:Papal St H3037-31220o.jpg

This specimen was lot 31220 in Heritage sale 3037 (New York, January 2015), where it sold for $15,275. The catalog description^[1] noted, "Papal States. Pius IX 50 Lire 1870-R Anno XXIV MS65 NGC, Rome mint, KM 1388, Fr-279. A truly remarkable specimen that presents full bloom over extremely attractive, harvest-gold surfaces. Due to an incisive strike, the design elements are wholly raised and crisp--from the detail on the Pope's skull cap to the delicate veins of the reverse leaves. This particular example, the last of an ephemeral two-year series, claims a modest mintage of just 1,460 pieces; so, it seems to follow that a coin of this elite quality from such a limited type would carry a substantial premium. At present time, this offering is the finest-known certified example of this date, and the second-highest graded coin in the series. As such, this selection is worthy of much attention, as well as a superior bid. From The Alexander Collection."