Papal States 1825-R 2 zecchini Fr-253
This specimen was lot 743 in Sincona sale 69 (Zürich, May 2021), where it sold for 4,500 CHF (about US$5,973 including buyer's fees). The catalog description[1] noted,
"ITALIEN, KIRCHENSTAAT. Leo XII. 1823-1829. 2 Zecchini 1825 / Anno III, Roma. Sehr selten in dieser Erhaltung. Vorzüglich-FDC. (Papal States, Leo XII, 1823-29, double zecchini of 1825, year III, Rome mint. Very rare in this condition, Extremely fine-uncirculated.)"
This rare type is listed for 1825 only and was struck in Rome. The early coinage of the Papal States used an antique monetary system. Five quattrini = one baiocco; 5 baiocchi = 1 grosso; 6 grossi = 4 carlini = 3 paoli = 1 testone; 10 testone = 1 doppia; 100 baiocchi = 1 scudi. In 1866, the currency was reformed to use centesimi and lire in order to match that of the surrounding kingdom of Italy. In 1870, the Papal States were occupied and annexed by the kingdom of Italy and coinage ceased until 1929.
Recorded mintage: 1,738.
Specification: 6.85 g, 0.999 fine gold, 23 mm diameter, edge lettered DILEXI DECOREM DOMVS TVAE; this specimen 7.53 g.
Catalog reference: Ber-3252, Mont. 01. Pagani 125. Fr-253.
- 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, and Tracy L. Schmidt, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1801-1900, 9th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2019.
- Gigante, Fabio, Gigante 2016: Catalogo Nazionale delle Monete Italiano Dal '700 All'Euro, 24a ed. Varese, Italy, 2015.
- Montenegro, Eupremio, Montenegro 2015: Manuale del Collezionista di Monete Italiane, 30 ed., Torino, Italy: Montenegro s.a.s., 2014.
- [1]Jürg Richter, Auction 69, World Coins and Medals, Bullion Auction and Chinese Banknotes, Part 1, Zürich: Sincona AG, 2021.
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