Genoa 1796 96 lire
This specimen was lot 1958 in Jean Elsen sale 162 (Brussels, June 2025), where it sold for €15,000 (about US$20,790 including buyer's fees). The catalog description[1] noted,
"ITALIE, GÊNES, Dogi biennali (1528-1797), AV 96 lire, 1796. D/ Écu couronné, tenu par deux griffons. R/ La Madone à l'enfant sur une nuée. État de conservation exceptionnel. (Italy, republic of Genoa, biennial doges, 1528-1797, gold 96 lire of 1796. Obverse: crowned arms, supported by two griffins; reverse: Madonna and Child on a cloud. Exceptional condition, Uncirculated.)"
The republic of Genoa issued silver one, two, four and eight lire and gold 12 lire, 24 lire, 48 lire and 96 lire 1793-97 in its final years before occupation and annexation by the French. Genoa never recovered its independence; in 1815 it was annexed by the kingdom of Sardinia and is now part of Italy.
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: 25.21 g, 0.909 fine gold, 33 mm diameter, this specimen 25,20 g.
Catalog reference: KM 251, Lunardi 360; M.I.R. 275/4; Fr-444.
- Friedberg, Arthur L. and Ira S. Friedberg, Gold Coins of the World, From Ancient Times to the Present, 9th ed., Clifton, NJ: Coin and Currency Institute, 2017.
- Michael, Thomas, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1701-1800, 7th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2016.
- Montenegro, Eupremio, Montenegro 2015: Manuale del Collezionista di Monete Italiane, 30 ed., Torino, Italy: Montenegro s.a.s., 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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