Lucca 1613 25 bolognini
This specimen was lot 1848 in Jean Elsen sale 154 (Brussels, March 2023), where it sold for €800 (about US$1,036 including buyer's fees). The catalog description[1] noted,
"ITALIE, LUCQUES, République (1369-1799), AR San Martino (25 bolognini), 1613. Au titre de Charles Quint. D/ CAROLVS IMPERATOR Ecu ovale à la bande inscrite LIBERTAS, dans un cartouche orné. R/ DIVI (fleur) MARTINI Saint Martin à cheval à g., coupant la moitié de son manteau pour la donner à un mendiant. La date à l'ex. Très rare. Très Beau/Beau à Très Beau. (Italy, republic of Lucca, silver 25 bolognini of 1613, struck in the name of Charles V. Obverse: oval arms with a band inscribed LIBERTY in an ornate cartouche; reverse: St. Martin, mounted, dividing his cloak with a beggar, date in the exergue. Very rare, Very Fine/Fine - Very Fine.)"
This rare one year type is stated in the SCWC to have a face value of one third of a scudo. Lucca today still has her medieval churches, palaces and walls, a reflection of her econominc stagnation during the baroque and early modern periods, when many other Italian cities tore down old edifices.
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: 10.84 g, silver, this specimen 10,86 g.
Catalog reference: KM 15, CNI XI, 156, 618; M.I.R. 206/1; Bellesia 328, 40A (3 bolognini).
- 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 154, Trouvaille de Labuissière, Brussels: Jean Elsen et ses Fils S.A., 2023.
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