Parma 1789-S 1/2 doppia Fr-931
This specimen was lot 30247 in Heritage sale 3037 (New York, January 2015), where it sold for $2,232.50. The catalog description[1] noted, "Parma. Fernando di Borbone gold 1/2 Doppia 1789-S MS62 NGC. A rare, uncirculated example of this beautiful type featuring the bust of Fernando di Borbone and crowned arms. The obverse detail is fully-struck, with particular attention drawn to the curls of Fernando's hair. The central reverse motif is soft, however, the darker tone that resides in the protected areas adds considerable interest to the design. Lightly handled but blemish-free, this superb coin is currently the only certified mint-state specimen by either grading party. From The Alexander Collection." Duke Ferdinando was descended from Philip V of Spain and thru him Louis XIV of France. This type is listed in the SCWC for 1785-97. All the dates are rare. Doppia means "double," and this coin is roughly a ducat. One, four, six and eight doppia also exist but are rare.
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: 3.57 g, .891 fine gold, .102 troy oz AGW.
Catalog reference: KM-C17, Fr-931.
- 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.
- 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.
- [1]Bierrenbach, Cristiano, Warren Tucker and Scott Cordry, Heritage Signature Auction 3037, featuring the Empire, the Santa Catarina, the Law and the Santa Maria Collections, Dallas, TX: Heritage Auction Galleries, 2014.
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