File:Vatican SB816-22617a.jpg

This specimen was part of lot 22617 in Stack's Bowers ANA sale (Anaheim, CA, August 2016), which sold for $423. The catalog description^[1] noted, "ITALY. Vatican City. Nine Piece Mint Set, 1929. ICG AU-50 Details--Cleaned to MS-65. KM-MS1 (KM-1-9). The catalog numbers tell the story here, the set is the first coinage issued from the Vatican after the signing of the Lateran Treaty which granted the Vatican a large degree of autonomy in exchange for papal recognition of the Mussolini government. Earlier issues were considered Papal States coinage, none having been issued since 1870 under Pope Pius IX prior to the issuance of these coins in 1929. The independence of the Vatican was later confirmed by succeeding democratic governments and was included in the post-war constitution signed in late 1947. An historically significant set of coins. Encapsulated by ICG, with a few of the pieces exhibiting minor issues such as cleaning or traces of corrosion. Overall a wholesome set, the plush leather case of issue is included. Inspection advised."