Papal States (1705) piastra Dav-1434
This specimen was lot 629 in Jean Elsen sale 132 (Brussels, March 2017), where it sold for €160 (about US$203 including buyer's fees). The catalog description[1] noted,
"ITALIE, ETATS PONTIFICAUX, Clément XI (1700-1721), (Gianfrancesco Albani), AR piastre, an 6, Rome. D/ Armoiries. R/ Le Pape trônant à d. dans la basilique Sainte-Marie-Majeure, entouré des cardinaux. Rare Trace de monture. presque Très Beau. (Italy, Pontifical State, Clement XI (1700-21), silver piastra, year 6, Rome mint. Obverse: arms; reverse: the Pope enthroned in the basilica of St. Mary the Major, surrounded by cardinals. Rare, trace of mounting, about very fine.)"
This reverse was also used on Dav-1433 with a bust obverse. Dav-1435 is very similar but has the obverse legend starting on the left. The piastra was discontinued in 1740 and superseded by the scudo.
Recorded mintage: unknown but a scarce type.
Specification: 32.07 g, 0.917 fine silver, this specimen 31,45 g.
Catalog reference: Dav-1434; Munt. 46; Berman 2382, KM 673.
- 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.
- Davenport, John S., European Crowns, 1700-1800, 2nd Ed., London: Spink & Son, 1964.
- Michael, Thomas, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1701-1800, 7th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2016.
- [1]Elsen, Philippe, et al., Vente Publique 132, Brussels: Jean Elsen et ses Fils S.A., 2017.
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