Sardinia 1773 1/2 scudo
This specimen was lot 1771 in Jean Elsen sale 143 (Brussels, December 2019), where it sold for €180 (about US$235 including buyer's fees). The catalog description[1] noted,
"ITALIE, SAVOIE et SARDAIGNE, Victor Amédée III (1773-1796), AR mezzo scudo sardo, 1773, Turin. D/ T. à g. R/ Ecu de Sardaigne couronné. Rare. Beau à Très Beau. (Italy, kingdom of Sardinia, Victor Amadeus III, 1773-96, silver half scudo, Turin mint. Obverse: head left; reverse: crowned arms of Sardinia. Rare, Fine - Very Fine.)"
This type is listed for 1773-74 and 1792-93 and is noted as fairly expensive. The Duchy of Savoy was an Italian state wedged between France and Milan and was often the victim of invasions from both directions. In 1720, the duke acquired the island of Sardinia and promoted himself to king of Sardinia. In 1799, king Carlo Emanuele IV was evicted by Napoleon and the region converted to the Ligurian Republic then annexed to France. Sardinia did not recover her independence until 1815. This mezzo scudo was issued for the island of Sardinia; the mainland issue was 17.58 g and had round arms on the reverse.
Reported Mintage: unknown.
Specification: 11.79 g, 0.895 fine silver.
Catalog reference: KM 71, Sim. 25/1; M. 448.
- Michael, Thomas, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1701-1800, 7th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2016.
- 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]Elsen, Philippe, Vente Publique 143, Brussels: Jean Elsen et ses Fils, S.A., 2019.
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