Papal States (1790) 2 baiocchi
This specimen was lot 1622 in Künker sale 403 (Osnabrück, March 2024), where it sold for €160 (about US$210 including buyer's fees). The catalog description[1] noted,
"PAPST PIUS VI., 1775-1799. Die Münzstätte Rom. Ku.-2 Baiocchi A XVI (1790/1791), Rom. Die Rückseite mit Beeren im Lorbeerkranz und Stern unter der Schrift. Sehr schön. (Papal States, Pius VI, 1775-99, copper double baiocchi of the year 16, Rome mint. The reverse with berries in a laurel wreath and a star under the inscription. Very fine.)"
This type, nicknamed a muraiola, is listed for 1785-97 and was struck in Rome. It is undated but shows the regnal year (XVI) on the obverse. The early coinage of the Papal States used an antique monetary system. After 1830, five quattrini = one baiocco; 100 baiocchi = one scudo.
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: 21.2 g, copper, this specimen 21,09 g.
Catalog reference: Muntoni 108 var.; Toffanin 2791/9 (R), Ber-2991, KM 1226.1.
- 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]Künker, Fritz Rudolf, Horst-Rudiger Künker, Ulrich Künker and Andreas Kaiser, Katalog 403: Coins and Medals of the Popes - The significant collection of a southwest German entrepreneur, Osnabrück: Fritz Rudolf Künker GmbH & Co., AG, 2024.
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