Sardinia 1793 1/4 scudo
This specimen was lot 1364 in Jean Elsen sale 108 (Brussels, March 2011) where it sold for 280 euros (about US$460 including buyer's fee). The catalog description[1] noted,
"ITALIE, SAVOIE et SARDAIGNE, Victor Amédée III (1773-1796), AR quarto di scudo, 1793, Turin. Droit : B. cuirassé à gauche. Revers : Ecu ovale couronné, entouré du collier de Savoie. Rare. presque Très Beau" (Italy, Savoy and Sardinia, Victor Amadeus III, 1773-96, silver quarter scudo of 1793, Turin mint. Obverse: armored bust facing left; reverse: crowned oval shield, Order if Savoy around. Rare, about Very Fine.)
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 type was struck 1773-93 but is seldom seen today.
Reported Mintage: unknown.
Specification: 8.79 g, .904 fine silver, .255 troy oz ASW, this specimen 8.71 g.
Catalog reference: KM C59, Sim., 11/16.
- 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, et al., Vente Publique 108, Brussels: Jean Elsen et ses Fils, S.A., 2011.
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