Livorno 1683 1/2 tollero
The first specimen was lot 1746 in Jean Elsen sale 149 (Brussels, December 2021), where it sold for €320 (about US$433 including buyer's fees). The catalog description[1] noted,
"ITALIE, LIVOURNE, Cosme III de Médicis (1670-1723), AR mezzo tollero, 1683. D/ B. radié à d. R/ Galère naviguant à d. Rare Fines griffes au droit. presque Très Beau. (Italy, Italy, Livorno, Cosimo III de Medici, 1670-1723, silver half tollero of 1683. Obverse: radiant bust to right; reverse: a galley sails right. Rare, fine scratches on the obverse, about Very Fine.)"
This rare type was struck 1683 only. It was the only issue of this denomination. Cosimo was childless and the Medici dukes ended with his death. After some dispute, the grand duchy passed to Francis of Lorraine, husband of Maria Theresia of Austria. The second specimen was lot 1066 in CNG sale Triton XXVII (New York, January 2024), where it sold for $1,163.75. The catalog description[2] noted, "ITALY, Toscana (Grand Duchy). Cosimo III de Medici. 1670-1723. AR Mezzo tallero. Livorno mint. Dated 1683. Crowned, armored, and draped bust right / Galley under sail right, with decorative prow. Toned. Good VF. From the J. Eric Engstrom Collection. Ex Classical Numismatic Group 85 (15 Septembe[r] 2010), lot 1384."
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: 13 g, silver, the first specimen 13,18 g, the second specimen 37 mm diameter, 13.32 g, 6 h axis.
Catalog reference: KM 26, M.I.R. 75.
- 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.
- [2]Gasvoda, Michael, Victor England, Eric McFadden, Dave Michaels, Bill Dalzell and Lance Hickman, Triton XXVII, Lancaster, PA: Classical Numismatic Group, LLC, 2023.
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