Papal States 1780 20 bolognini
This type was issued 1778-80 for Pius VI (1775-99) from the Bologna mint. At Bologna, 80 bolognini = one scudo instead of one hundred baiocchi as in Rome. Therefore twenty bolognini = twenty-five baiocchi = quarter scudo. This type is not listed as expensive. Berman[1] lists this type as a lira. The second specimen was lot 1953 in Jean Elsen sale 164 (Brussels, March 2026), where it sold for €170 (about US$237 including buyer's fees). The catalog description[2] noted,
"ITALIE, ÉTATS PONTIFICAUX, Pie VI (1775-1799), (Giovanni Angelo Braschi), AR 1 lira ou 20 bolognino, 1780 B, Bologne. D/ Armoiries cantonnées de deux écus. R/ Lion rampant à g., ten. une bannière. Rare. Belle patine. Très Beau. (Italy, Papal States, Pius VI, 1775-99, silver one lira or twenty bolognini of 1780, Bologna mint. Obverse: papal arms cantonned with two shields; reverse: lion rampant left, holding a banner. Rare, Nice patina, Very Fine.)"
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: 5.28 g, 0.917 fine silver, the second specimen 5,14 g.
Catalog reference: KM 276, Ber-3052, Munt. 218; C. 45.
- [1]Berman, Allen G., Papal Coins, South Salem, NY: Attic Books, 1991.
- 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.
- [2]Elsen, Philippe, et al., Vente Publique 164: Monnaies du duché de Brabant et du royaume de Belgique, Brussels: Jean Elsen et ses Fils S.A., 2026.
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