Naples (1554-56)-IBR 1/2 ducato
This specimen was lot 30504 in Stack's Bowers ANA sale (Chicago, August 2022), where it sold for $2,280. The catalog description[1] noted, "ITALY. Naples & Sicily (Naples). 1/2 Ducato, ND (1554-56). Naples Mint. Filippo (Philip II of Spain). NGC MS-63. Obverse: Draped and armored bust right; Reverse: Crowned and garnished coat-of-arms. Though exhibiting just a hint of striking weakness, this choice specimen otherwise offers great details with no evidence of handling or time in circulation. The bust of Philip--the younger brother of the recently-abdicated Charles IV--is quite large and impressive, with an enticing cabinet tone throughout." This type was struck for Philip II of Spain, he of the Spanish Armada. The Spanish ruled Naples until the death of the last Hapsburg in 1700.
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: silver.
Catalog reference: MIR-159.
- Fabrizi, Davide, Monete Italiane Regionale: Napoli, Pavia: Edizioni Numismatica Varesi, 2010.
- [1]Orsini, Matt, Kyle Ponterio and Jeremy Bostwick, The 2022 ANA Auction - Ancients & World Coins - Featuring The Salton Collection Part III, the Augustana Collection and the Robert C. Knepper Collection, Costa Mesa, CA: Stack's Bowers LLC, 2022.
Link to: