Mantua (1647-65) 30 soldi
This specimen was lot 75120 in Stack's Bowers May 2026 World Premier Collectors Choice Auction (Costa Mesa, CA, May 2026), where it sold for $129. The catalog description[1] noted, "ITALY. Mantua. 30 Soldi (1/4 Scudo), ND (1647-65). Carlo II Gonzaga. PCGS Genuine--Environmental Damage, VF Details. Scarce issue." Carlo II became duke of Mantua in 1635 at the age of eight, on the death of his grandfather. He did not obtain sole rule until 1647 and died in 1665, aged 35 years, allegedly while raping a manservant. The SCWC lists both KM 174 (shown here) and KM 175 for this ruler, but the photo for KM 175 shows a sixty soldi. Upon the death of Ferdinando Carlo, last independent Duke of Mantua (r. 1665-1707), the duchy was annexed by the Austrians and ruled as part of the duchy of Milan.
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: 5.88 g, billon.
Catalog reference: KM-174; MIR-699.
- Cuhaj, George S., and Thomas Michael, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1601-1700, 6th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2014.
- [1]Orsini, Matt, Kyle Ponterio and Jeremy Bostwick, May 2026 World Premier Collectors Choice Online Auction - Ancients, World Coins & World Paper Money, Costa Mesa, CA: Stack's Bowers Galleries, Inc., 2026.
Link to:
- Mantua (1637-47) ducatone Dav-3961 Carlo II under regency
- Mantua 1664 1/4 ducatone
- Coins and currency dated 1647