Papal States 1686 testone KM-507
This specimen was lot 34350 in Heritage sale 3082 (New York, January 2020), where it sold for $840. The catalog description[1] noted, "Italy: Papal States. Innocent XI Testone Anno X (1686) MS66 NGC, Rome mint. A pristine specimen displaying a visually pleasing contrast of darkened slate-gray color with brightening luster." This type was minted in 1686 for Innocent XI. Berman lists twelve different testone for this pope. The SCWC lists many similar testone, varying in the design of the cartouche on the reverse, including KM 441, 442, 443, 444, 445, 446, 447, 448, 492, 493, 494 and 507 (shown here). The testone was thirty baiocchi, while the piastra, the Italian equivalent of the German thaler, was 105 baiocchi (3½ testone). The reverse motto, "MELIVS EST DARE QVAM ACCIPERE," is the well known, "It is better to give than to receive."
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: 9.16 g, silver, 0.917 fine.
Catalog reference: KM 507, Ber-2106.
- 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.
- [1]Bierrenbach, Cristiano, Warren Tucker and Sam Spiegel, Heritage World and Ancient Coins Online Auction 3082, featuring the Caranett Collection, Dallas, TX: Heritage Auction Galleries, 2019.
- Francesco Muntoni, Le Monete del Papi e Degli Stati Pontifici, 4 vols. Rome: P & P Santamaria, 1973.
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