Genoa 1687-AB 1/2 scudo stretto
This specimen was lot 1742 in Jean Elsen sale 149 (Brussels, December 2021), where it sold for €120 (about US$163 including buyer's fees). The catalog description[1] noted,
"ITALIE, GENES, Dogi biennali (1528-1797), AR mezzo scudo stretto, 1687AB. D/ Croix cantonnée de quatre étoiles. R/ La Madone à l'enfant sur une nuée. Beau à Très Beau. (Italy, republic of Genoa, biennial doges, 1528-1797, silver half scude stretto of 1687. Obverse: cross cantonned with four stars; reverse: Madonna and Child on a cloud. Fine - Very Fine.)"
This rare type was struck 1638-56, 1661-1700, 1704-21. It accompanied the scudo stretto (Dav-3901). The republic of Genoa simultaneously struck scudi stretti ("tight shields"), scudi largi ("broad shields"), and double scudi. The scudo stretto was only slightly lighter than the scudo largo but the planchet was smaller and the design omitted the cherubs on both sides.
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: 18.4-18.6 g, 0.889 fine silver, this specimen 18,84 g.
Catalog reference: KM 81.1, Lunardi 261.
- 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 149: Monnaies, Médailles et Décorations, Brussels: Jean Elsen et ses Fils S.A., 2021.
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