Sardinia 1835(t) P 50 centesimi
This specimen was lot 1785 in Jean Elsen sale 149 (Brussels, December 2021), where it did not sell. The catalog description[1] noted,
"ITALIE, SAVOIE et SARDAIGNE, Charles Albert (1831-1849), AR 50 centesimi, 1835P, Turin. Rare Tache au revers. Très Beau. (Italy, kingdom of Sardinia, Charles Albert, 1831-49, silver fifty centesimi of 1835, Turin mint. Rare, stain on reverse, 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. The king was rewarded by Metternich with the republic of Genoa, which he added to his territory and opened a branch mint there in addition to his existing mint at Turin. The Turin mint used an eagle's head as a mintmark while coins struck at Genoa sported an anchor. Altho fifty centesimi were struck fairly steadily 1833-47, this type is much scarcer than the previous one featuring Carlo Felice (KM 124.1).
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: 2.5 g, 0.900 fine silver.
Catalog reference: KM 134.1, M. 194; G. 143.
- Michael, Thomas, and Tracy L. Schmidt, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1801-1900, 9th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2019.
- 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 149: Monnaies, Médailles et Décorations, Brussels: Jean Elsen et ses Fils S.A., 2021.
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