Sardinia 1712 1/2 soldo
This specimen was lot 2173 in Jean Elsen sale 145 (Brussels, September 2020), where it sold for €170 (about US$242 including buyer's fees). The catalog description[1] noted,
" ITALIE, SARDAIGNE, Charles III (1708-1717), Cu cagliarese (mezzo soldo), 1712, Cagliari. D/ B. à d. R/ Croix ornée cantonnée de quatre annelets pointés. Rare dans cette qualité. Très Beau. (Italy, Sardinia, Charles III, 1708-17, copper cagliarese or half soldo of 1712, Cagliari mint. Obverse: bust right; reverse: ornate cross cantonned with four rings. Rare in this quality, Very Fine.)"
This copper half soldo or cagliarese was issued during the brief period (1708-20) of Austrian domination of the island, which had been under Spanish rule for centuries. The coin is issued in the name of Charles as king of Spain, a claim he surrendered in 1713, not as emperor of Germany. It is not mentioned in the SCWC. In 1720, the Austrians traded Sardinia to Savoy in exchange for Sicily.
Reported Mintage: unknown.
Specification: copper, this specimen 2,47 g.
Catalog reference: Piras 179; M.I.R. 101.
- Michael, Thomas, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1701-1800, 7th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2016.
- [1]Elsen, Philippe, et al., Vente Publique 145, Brussels: Jean Elsen et ses Fils S.A., 2020.
Link to:
- Sardinia 1712 scudo d'oro Fr-146, in the name of Charles III
- Sardinia 1741 1/2 soldo = cagliarese
- Coins and currency dated 1712