Sardinia 1839(g) P 5 lire
This specimen was lot 74453 in Stack's Bowers Collector's Choice sale (Costa Mesa, CA, February 2022), where it sold for $192. The catalog description[1] noted, "ITALY. Sardinia. 5 Lire, 1839-P. Genoa Mint; mm: eagle's head. Carlo Alberto. PCGS Genuine--Altered Surfaces, AU Details. Displaying some handsome mottled tone, this well detailed piece is a nice representative despite the altered surface designation by PCGS." 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. This type was struck at Genoa (anchor mintmark) and Turin (eagle mintmark) 1831-49. It is affordable in worn condition but expensive choice.
Recorded mintage: 141,217 plus more from Turin.
Specification: 25 g, 0.900 fine silver.
Catalog reference: Dav-136, KM 130.2 (formerly C113.3).
- 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.
- Davenport, John S., European Crowns and Talers, Since 1800, 2nd Ed., London: Spink & Son, 1964.
- [1]Orsini, Matt, Kyle Ponterio and Jeremy Bostwick, The February 2022 World Collectors Choice Online Auction - Ancients & World Coins, Featuring Selections from the Kings Norton Mint Collection, Costa Mesa, CA: Stack's Bowers LLC, 2022.
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