Papal States (1325-28) 1/2 grosso Ber-129
This specimen was lot 2304 in Sincona sale 43 (Zürich, October 2017), where it sold for 700 CHF (about US$835 including buyer's fees). The catalog description[1] noted,
"ITALY | Vatican, Senat von Rom, 1184-1447 1/2 Grosso o. J. (1325-1328). SENATVS-:P:Q:R: Löwe nach links über Wappen von Annbaldi-Frangipane (?). Rv. (ROMA C)A(P)VS MVNI:S:P:Q:(R) Thronender St. Petrus. Von grösster Seltenheit. Schön-sehr schön. Knapper Schrötling. (Papal States, senatorial half grosso, undated, obverse: lion left over the arms of Annbaldi-Frangipane; reverse: St. Peter enthroned. Of the highest rarity, Fine-very fine, Small flan.)"
Berman attributes this rare issue to an unknown branch of the Annibaldi family but does not assign a date. To call this a Senatorial issue is to dignify the chaos, anarchy and hoodlumism besetting Rome at this period, forcing the popes to flee to Avignon.
Recorded mintage: unknown but rare.
Specification: silver, this specimen 1.23 g.
Catalog reference: MIR 153, Muntoni 32, Berman 129.
- Berman, Allen G., Papal Coins, South Salem, NY: Attic Books, 1991.
- Francesco Muntoni, Le Monete del Papi e Degli Stati Pontifici, 4 vols. Rome: P & P Santamaria, 1973.
- [1]Richter, Jürg, Sincona sale 43, Gold and Silver Coins and Medals, Zürich: Sincona AG, 2017.
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