Papal States 1778 grosso

from the Tom Fitzgerald Collection

Nomisma Aste e-live-auction 3, lot 288

note the 1848/7 overdate

This type is one of the few multiyear types of the eighteenth century. The grosso was five baiocchi, while the scudo was one hundred baiocchi. The second specimen was lot 288 in Nomisma Aste e-live-auction 3 (Verona, Italy, May 2023), where it sold for 30 euro (about US$39 including buyer's fees). The lot description noted, "Papal States Pio VI (1774-1799) Grosso 1778 An. IV - BB." This type was struck 1777-78 and 1783 and has a modest catalog value. The image in the SCWC of a 1777 grosso shows a flowery wreath on the reverse rather than the ornate cartouche shown here.

Recorded mintage: unknown.

Specification: 1.34 g, 0.917 fine silver, the second specimen 1,18 g.

Catalog reference: KM 1033, Ber-2970.

Source:

• 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.

Link to:

• 1777 grosso
• 1778 2 baiocchi
• 1778 2 bolognini
• 1778 4 bolognini
• 1778 5 bolognini
• 1778 mezzo scudo
• 1778 20 bolognini
• 1778 50 bolognini
• 1782 grosso
• Coins and currency dated 1778
• return to coins of the Papal States