Papal States (1754) grosso
This specimen was lot 3204 in Steve Album Auction 53 (Santa Rosa, CA, September 2025), where it sold for $420. The catalog description[1] noted, "PAPAL STATES: Benedict XIV, 1740-1758, AR grosso, year XV (1754), a wonderful lustrous mint state example! PCGS graded MS64." This type was struck 1751-55 but is dated only with the regnal year (XII thru XVI). Twenty grossi made a scudo. This example sold for seven times the catalog value. Regarding the reverse legend, Wikipedia comments, "Tota pulchra es is a Catholic prayer written in the fourth century. The title means 'You are completely beautiful' (referring to the Virgin Mary)."
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: 1.34 g, 0.917 fine silver, 19 mm diameter, reeded edge.
Catalog reference: KM-969, Berman-2763.
- Berman, Allen G., Papal Coins, South Salem, NY: Attic Books, 1991.
- Michael, Thomas, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1701-1800, 7th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2016.
- Francesco Muntoni, Le Monete del Papi e Degli Stati Pontifici, 4 vols. Rome: P & P Santamaria, 1973.
- [1]Album, Stephen, Joseph Lang, Paul Montz, Michael Barry and Hanbing Feng, Auction 53, featuring Selections from the Dr. Robert A. Rosenfeld, Almer H. Orr III, Dr. Dirk Loer and Joe Sedillot Collections, Santa Rosa, CA: Stephen Album Rare Coins, Inc., 2025.
Link to: