Malta 1764 20 scudi Fr-35
This specimen was lot 21489 in Heritage sale 3010 (Boston, August 2010), where it sold for $2,875. The catalog description[1] noted, "Emmanuel Pinto gold 20 Scudi 1764, MS62 NGC, nicely struck with old-time patina. There is a bulge in the flan above St. John, a natural result of the striking process. Very scarce denomination and grade." Malta, an island between Italy and Tunisia was ruled by the Knights of St. John from the 1500's to their ouster by Napoleon in 1798. After Napoleon's fall, the British occupied the island as a base until the 1960's, when Malta became an independent republic. The Knights of St. John, now the Order of Malta, still exist but are based in Rome where they run a hospital. The Maltese used currency derived from their neighbors the Sicilians; 20 grani = 1 tari, 12 tari = 1 scudo. The Order also struck ducats. This type, slightly larger than four ducats, is rare but slightly more available than the bust obverse type (Fr-34).
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: 16 g, .840 fine gold, .432 troy oz AGW.
Catalog reference: KM 275, Fr-35.
- 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.
- [1]Tucker, Warren, Scott Cordry and John Kraljevich, Heritage Sale 3010: World Coins, Dallas, TX: Heritage Auction Galleries, 2010.
Link to: