Papal States 1751 1/2 scudo d'oro Fr-234
This specimen was lot 31059 in Heritage sale 3035 (Long Beach, September 2014), where it sold for $3,055. The catalog description[1] noted, "Papal States. Benedict XIV gold 1/2 Scudo Romano 1751. A premium example of this small one-year gold issue featuring the bust of St. Peter and crowned arms. Stunningly bright and with virtually perfect surfaces. Absolutely rare and currently the finest certified example known." This one year type was issued simultaneously with the half scudo of 1740-42, 1751 (Fr-233). Both are scarce. The SCWC lists this issue as debased gold but this coin does not show the greenish toning one would expect.
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: 1.75 g, .555 fine gold.
Catalog reference: Fr-234, KM 973, Ber-2736.
- Berman, Allen G., Papal Coins, South Salem, NY: Attic Books, 1991.
- Friedberg, Arthur L. and Ira S. Friedberg, Gold Coins of the World, From Ancient Times to the Present, 9th ed., Clifton, NJ: Coin and Currency Institute, 2017.
- 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]Bierrenbach, Cristiano, and Warren Tucker, Heritage Signature Auction 3035, World and Ancient Coins, featuring the FoxLair Collection and the Law Collection, Dallas: Heritage Auction Galleries, 2014.
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