Mantua 1678 scudo Dav-3969
This specimen was lot 75323 in Stack's Bowers Collectors Choice sale (Costa Mesa, CA, September 2023), where it sold for $216. The catalog description[1] noted, "ITALY. Mantua. Scudo, 1678. Ferdinando I Gonzaga. PCGS Genuine--Gouged, VF Details. A somewhat crude piece with an edge split, as is often the case for the issue. Sooty charcoal patina stretches across dove gray surfaces, though the gouging mentioned on the holder insert does little to affect overall appearance. A more difficult type that tends to command quite high prices, numismatists will be happy with this detailed yet more affordable offering. With old handwritten Coin Galleries ticket (ca. 1950s)." 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. At the time, 6 denari = 1 sesino, 2 sesini = 1 soldo, 20 soldi = 1 lira, 12 lire = 1 tallero or scudo. This scarce type was struck 1675, 1678 and 1680.
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: 19.50-22.08 g, silver.
Catalog reference: Dav-3969; KM-225; MIR-792/2.
- Cuhaj, George S., and Thomas Michael, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1601-1700, 6th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2014.
- Davenport, John S., European Crowns, 1600-1700, Galesburg, IL, 1974.
- [1]Orsini, Matt, Kyle Ponterio and Jeremy Bostwick, September 2023 World Collectors Choice Online Auction - Ancient & World Coins, Costa Mesa, CA: Stack's Bowers Galleries, Inc., 2023.
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