Papal States (1572-85) scudo d'oro Fr-85

from the Tom Fitzgerald Collection

This scudo d'oro was struck for Gregory XIII (1572-85). It is the most common gold coin of his reign but twice the price of a scudo d'oro of Paul III. Some of this type are dated but not this particular specimen. The scudo d'oro (gold shield) was about 4% lighter than the ducat or zecchino. This specimen was lot 31217 in Heritage sale 3037 (New York, January 2015), where it sold for $2,937.50. The catalog description^[1] noted, "Papal States. Gregory XIII gold Scudo d'oro ND (1572-85) AU55 NGC, An attractive and seldom encountered type featuring the bust of Christ and crowned arms. Struck on a mostly-round flan, this example presents a bold portrait of Jesus Christ with some doubling of His features, and mostly strong legends that display a small area of weakness within the upper portion of the legend. The reverse motif presents even-wear across the devices and softness corresponding with the extremely bold details of the obverse portrait. Rarely seen in the marketplace, especially at this level of preservation."

Recorded mintage: unknown.

Specification: 3.36 g, 0.917 fine gold.

Catalog reference: Fr-85, Berman-1139, Muntoni-6.

Source:

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.
Friedberg, Arthur L. and Ira S. Friedberg, Gold Coins of the World, From Ancient Times to the Present, 9th ed., Clifton, NJ: Coin and Currency Institute, 2017.
^[1]Bierrenbach, Cristiano, Warren Tucker and Scott Cordry, Heritage Signature Auction 3037, featuring the Empire, the Santa Catarina, the Law and the Santa Maria Collections, Dallas, TX: Heritage Auction Galleries, 2014.

Link to:

Papal States (1572-85) scudo d'oro Fr-85

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