Papal States (1658) piastra Dav-4070
The first specimen was lot 22180 in Heritage sale 3021 (New York, January 2013), where it sold for $1,175. The catalog description[1] noted, "Papal States. Alexander VII Piastra ND (1658), XF40 NGC, a nice original example with medium gray patina. The reverse features St. Thomas of Villanova giving alms to a beggar." The reverse legend, "DISPERSIT DEDIT PAVPERIBVS", is from Psalms 112:9, "He hath dispersed, he hath given to the poor; his righteousness endureth for ever; his horn shall be exalted with honor." Silver coins are popular with collectors not only for their Catholic associations but also the extraordinarily vivid portraits of the various popes, including Alexander VII shown here. This type is scarce even by Italian standards and is the only piastra of Alexander's reign.
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: 31.99 g, 0.917 fine silver.
Catalog reference: Dav-4070; KM-290, Ber-1901.
- 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.
- Cuhaj, George S., and Thomas Michael, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1601-1700, 6th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2014.
- Davenport, John S., European Crowns, 1600-1700, Galesburg, IL, 1974.
- [1]Bierrenbach, Cristiano, Warren Tucker and David Michaels, Heritage World and Ancient Coins Auction 3021, featuring the Cecil Webster, Richard P. Ariagno and Elizabeth McPhall Charters Collection, Dallas: Heritage Auction Galleries, 2012.
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