Sardinia 1695 2-1/2 reales
This specimen was lot 2172 in Jean Elsen sale 145 (Brussels, September 2020), where it sold for €140 (about US$200 including buyer's fees). The catalog description[1] noted,
"ITALIE, SARDAIGNE, Charles II (1665-1700), AR 2 1/2 reali, 1695, Cagliari. D/ B. couronné à d., entre 12-6. R/ Croix ornée cantonnée de quatre étoiles. Très Beau. (Italy, Sardinia, Charles II of Spain, 1665-1700, silver 2½ reales of 1695, Cagliari mint. Obverse: crowned bust divides "12-6"; reverse: ornate cross cantonned with four stars. Very Fine.)"
Altho the Spanish ruled Sardinia for four centuries until 1708, the coinage of that time is rare and poorly documented. This obscure type is listed for 1694-1700. The "12 - 6" on the obverse means 12 soldi and 6 denari. The "6OS" below the bust is the remnants of the date "1695".
Reported Mintage: unknown.
Specification: silver, this specimen 5,86 g.
Catalog reference: Piras 164; M.I.R. 86/2, KM 25 (listed under Cagliari).
- Cuhaj, George S., and Thomas Michael, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1601-1700, 6th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2014.
- [1]Elsen, Philippe, et al., Vente Publique 145, Brussels: Jean Elsen et ses Fils S.A., 2020.
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