Terni 1797 8 baiocchi

Jean Elsen sale 149, lot 1733

This specimen was lot 1733 in Jean Elsen sale 149 (Brussels, December 2021), where it sold for €65 (about US$88 including buyer's fees). The catalog description^[1] noted,

"ITALIE, ETATS PONTIFICAUX, Pie VI (1775-1799), (Giovanni Angelo Braschi), Cu 8 baiocchi, 1797, Terni. Rare. Très Beau. (Italy, Papal States, Pius VI, 1775-99, copper eight baiocchi of 1797, Terni mint. Rare, Very Fine.)"

This type is listed for 1797 only and was struck in Terni. The French invasion of 1796 disrupted the delicate economic balance of the Papal States and destroyed the value of the paper currency which funded it. Hard money went into hiding and the pope was forced to issue a series of copper and billon emergency money, including this type. Temporary branch mints were opened to produce more. Terni produced four, five, six and eight baiocchi, all scarce. After 1830, five quattrini = one baiocco; 100 baiocchi = one scudo. A variety exists with the pope's name at the bottom instead of the top.

Recorded mintage: unknown.

Specification: billon.

Catalog reference: KM 4, Munt. 418; Berman 3147.

Sources:

Berman, Allen G., Papal Coins, South Salem, NY: Attic Books, 1991.
Michael, Thomas, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1701-1800, 7th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2016.
^[1]Elsen, Philippe, et al., Vente Publique 149: Monnaies, Médailles et Décorations, Brussels: Jean Elsen et ses Fils S.A., 2021.

Link to:

Terni 1797 8 baiocchi

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