Naples and Sicily 1702-AG A 1/2 ducato
This specimen was lot 1939 in Jean Elsen sale 155 (Brussels, June 2023), where it sold for €550 (about US$721 including buyer's fees). The catalog description[1] noted,
"ITALIE, NAPLES, Philippe V (1700-1707), AR mezzo ducato, 1702. D/ B. dr. et cuirassé à d. R/ HILARITAS VNIVERSA Le globe terrestre éclairé par le soleil. Fines fêlures du flan. Légèrement nettoyé. Patine inégale. Très Beau. (Italy, kingdom of Naples and Sicily, Philip V, 1700-07, half silver ducat of 1702. Obverse: draped and armored bust right; reverse: the Earth beneath the shining sun. Fine planchet cracks, lightly cleaned, uneven toning, Very Fine.)"
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. In the interim, Charles VI, Holy Roman Emperor 1711-40, was also king of Naples 1707-34. This type, struck 1702 and 1707, features Philip V before Naples was conquered by the Austrians.
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: 10.56-11 g, silver, 33 mm diameter, this specimen 10,92 g.
Catalog reference: KM 127, P.& R. 1; M.I.R. 310.
- Fabrizi, Davide, Monete Italiane Regionale: Napoli, Pavia: Edizioni Numismatica Varesi, 2010.
- Michael, Thomas, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1701-1800, 7th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2016.
- Montenegro, Eupremio, Montenegro 2015: Manuale del Collezionista di Monete Italiane, 30 ed., Torino, Italy: Montenegro s.a.s., 2014.
- [1]Elsen, Philippe, et al., Vente Publique 155, Collection Marc Bar et Distinctions de Jean-Baptiste Nothomb, Brussels: Jean Elsen et ses Fils S.A., 2023.
Link to: