Papal States 1753 1/2 scudo
The first specimen was lot 34357 in Heritage sale 3082 (New York, January 2020), where it sold for $1,500. The catalog description[1] noted, "Italy: Papal States. Benedict XIV 1/2 Scudo Anno XIV (1753) MS64 NGC, Rome mint. Of rarely encountered preservation for this fleeting issue, boasting lustrous argent surfaces color contrasting admirably against accents of charcoal in the legends." The second specimen was lot 21386 in Stack's Bowers ANA sale (Las Vegas, August 2020), where it did not sell. The catalog description[2] noted, "ITALY. Papal States. 1/2 Scudo, 1753-XIV. Benedict XIV. NGC MS-64. A boldly struck example with an attractive and popular motif. Rich mottled patina is noticed amongst the crevasses and outer devices adding to the appeal of this near GEM example. A lovely survivor from this popular series worthy of a premium bid from the specialist." This type was also struck in 1754 (years 14-15). It is the only issue of this denomination by this ruler but is not noted as rare. It was during this pontificate that the piastra was superseded by the silver scudo.
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: 13.25 g, 0.917 fine silver.
Catalog reference: KM 1179, Ber-2741.
- Berman, Allen G., Papal Coins, South Salem, NY: Attic Books, 1991.
- Francesco Muntoni, Le Monete del Papi e Degli Stati Pontifici, 4 vols. Rome: P & P Santamaria, 1973.
- Michael, Thomas, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1701-1800, 7th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2016.
- [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.
- [2]Orsini, Matt, Richard Ponterio and Kyle Ponterio, The August 2020 ANA Auction: World Coins, featuring the Duke of Lansing Collection, Santa Ana, CA: Stack's Bowers LLC, 2020.
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