Malta 1773 10 scudi Fr-39
This specimen was lot 3623 in Sincona sale 43 (Zürich, October 2017), where it sold for 2,000 CHF (about US$2,387 including buyer's fees). The catalog description[1] noted,
"MALTA, Francesco Ximenez de Texada, 1773-1775 10 Scudi 1773. Valetta. Vorzüglich-FDC. (Order of Malta, Francesco Ximenez de Texada, 1773-1775, ten scudi of 1773, Valetta mint. Extremely fine-uncirculated.)"
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 = one tari, 12 tari = one scudo. The Order also struck ducats. This type, slightly larger than two ducats, is rare.
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: 8 g, .840 fine gold, this specimen 8.42 g.
Catalog reference: Restelli/Sammut 9. Fr-39.
- 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]Richter, Jürg, Sincona sale 43, Gold and Silver Coins and Medals, Zürich: Sincona AG, 2017.
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