Genoa 1664-AB 1/2 scudo stretto
This specimen was lot 1956 in Jean Elsen sale 162 (Brussels, June 2025), where it did not sell. The catalog description[1] noted,
"ITALIE, GÊNES, Dogi biennali (1528-1797), AR mezzo scudo largo, 1664. Sigle AB. D/ Croix ornée, cantonnée de quatre étoiles. R/ La Madone à l'enfant sur une nuée. Petits éclats sur la tranche. Patine foncée. (Italy, Genoa, biennial doges, 1528-1797, silver half scudo largo of 1664, mintmaster AB. Obverse: ornate cross cantonned with four stars; reverse: the Madonna and Child seated o a cloud. Minor rim nicks, nice patina, Very Fine - Extremely Fine.)"
This is not a mezzo scudo largo but a mezzo scudo stretto. This rare type was struck 1638-56, 1661-1725. It accompanied the scudo stretto (Dav-3901). Half scudi largi (KM 81.2) also exist and are distinguished by cherubs instead of stars on the obverse. Both types weigh the same.
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: 18.4-18.6 g, silver, 37 mm diameter, this specimen 18,89 g.
Catalog reference: KM 81.1, Lunardi 276; CNI III, 378, 10.
- Cuhaj, George S., and Thomas Michael, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1601-1700, 6th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2014.
- [1]Elsen, Philippe, et al., Vente Publique 162: Collection Jacques Druart, Brussels: Jean Elsen et ses Fils S.A., 2025.
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