Papal States 1681 piastra Dav-4090
This specimen was lot 606 in Jean Elsen sale 132 (Brussels, March 2017), where it sold for €135 (about US$171 including buyer's fees). The catalog description[1] noted,
"ITALIE, ETATS PONTIFICAUX, Innocent XI (1676-1689), (Benedetto Odescalchi), AR piastre, 1681, Rome. D/ Armoiries R/ Saint Pierre trônant de f., t. à g. Trou rebouché. Beau à Très Beau. (Italy, Pontifical State, Innocent XI (1676-89), silver piastre of 1681, Rome mint. Obverse: arms; reverse: St. Peter enthroned, head to left. Tooled, fine to very fine.)"
Coinage of the Papal States remains popular today for, besides the strong associations for Catholics, this period saw a string of commemorative issues featuring wonderfully vivid portraits of the various men who occupied the throne of St. Peter. This issue was issued 1680-81 and is reasonably available. The piastra was the Italian equivalent of the German thaler.
Recorded mintage: unknown but available.
Specification: 31.99 g, .916 fine silver, this specimen 31,65 g.
Catalog reference: Dav-4090; Munt. 33, KM 421.1. Berman 2086.
- Berman, Allen G., Papal Coins, South Salem, NY: Attic Books, 1991.
- 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]Elsen, Philippe, et al., Vente Publique 132, Brussels: Jean Elsen et ses Fils S.A., 2017.
- Francesco Muntoni, Le Monete del Papi e Degli Stati Pontifici, 4 vols. Rome: P & P Santamaria, 1973.
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