Sicily 1611-IP 1/2 scudo
This specimen was lot 1672 in SINCONA Auction 97 (Zürich, May 2025), where it sold for 500 CHF (about US$725 including buyers' fees). The catalog description[1] noted,
"ITALIEN Sizilien, Filippo III. 1598-1621. 1/2 Scudo 1611, Messina. Sigle IP. Selten in dieser Erhaltung. Vorzüglich. Überdurchschnittlich gut ausgeprägt. (Italy, kingdom of Sicily, Philip III, 1598-1621, half scudo of 1611, Messina mint. Rare in this condition, Extremely Fine, Extraordinarily well struck.)"
The portrait is of Philip III of Spain. The Spanish Hapsburgs ruled Naples and Sicily as part of their Aragonese inheritance from the death of Ferdinand the Catholic in 1517 until the death of Charles II in 1700. Half a scudo was 7½ taris or five-eighths of a piastra. This scarce type was struck 1610-12 with various mintmaster's initials.
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specifications: silver, 33-35 mm diameter, this specimen 15.82 g.
Catalog reference: KM 14, MIR 344/3.
- Cuhaj, George S., and Thomas Michael, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1601-1700, 6th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2014.
- Fabrizi, Davide, Monete Italiane Regionale: Napoli, Pavia: Edizioni Numismatica Varesi, 2010.
- [1]Richter, Jurg, SINCONA Auction 97: World and Swiss Coins and Medals, SINCONA Bullion Auction, Zürich: SINCONA AG, 2025.
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