Naples and Sicily 1684-AGA 1/2 ducato
This specimen was lot 34899 in Heritage sale 3094 (Chicago, August 2021), where it sold for $1,320. The catalog description[1] noted, "Italy: Naples & Sicily. Charles II 1/2 Ducato 1684-AGA UNC Details (Cleaned) NGC. Semi-medallic in the central designs, these set within still-lustrous fields, graced with a soft silvery patina and surrounded by moderate adjustment in the peripheries that fortunately does not obscure any of the major motifs. An appealing offering with only very light cleaning hairlines noted for accuracy." The SCWC notes that 12 carlini = six tari = one piastra, where a piastra is roughly equal to a peso. The mezzo ducato was worth fifty grana. Charles II, the last Hapsburg king of Spain, was also king of Naples and Sicily. After his death the area passed out of the hands of the Spanish crown, only to be reconquered by them in the 1730's. This type was struck 1683-84 and is rare. Later issues were reduced in weight, below 13 g.
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: 14 g, silver, 35 mm diameter.
Catalog reference: KM 108, MIR-295/1.
- Cuhaj, George S., and Thomas Michael, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1601-1700, 6th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2014.
- Fabrizi, Davide, Monete Italiane Regionale: Napoli, Pavia: Edizioni Numismatica Varesi, 2010.
- [1]Cristiano Bierrenbach, Warren Tucker and Sam Spiegel, ANA WFOM World & Ancient Coins Platinum Night Signature Auction #3094, featuring the Cape Coral Collection, the WTR Collection and the Monaco Collection, Dallas, TX: Heritage Auction Galleries, 2021.
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