Tuscany (1574-87) scudo d'oro Fr-291
This specimen was lot 553 in Sincona sale 46 (Zürich, May 2018), where it did not sell. The catalog description[1] noted,
"ITALY, Florence, Francesco I. 1574-1587. Scudo doro o. J. FRAN.M.MAGN.-.ETRVRIA.DVX II Gekröntes Wappen. Rv. NOBI-S DEI-VIRTV-S EST Lilienkreuz. Von grösster Seltenheit. Gutes sehr schön. (grand duchy of Tuscany, Francis I, 1574-87, undated gold scudo. Obverse: crowned arms, reverse: floriate cross. Of the highest rarity, Good very fine.)"
Francesco de' Medici, second grand duke of Tuscany, died of malaria (or perhaps poison) in 1574 at the age of 46. This, a doppia and a five doppia are the only gold coins from his rule.
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: 3.45 g, 0.986 fine gold, this specimen 3.36 g.
Catalog reference: MIR 178 var, Fr-291.
- Friedberg, Arthur L. and Ira S. Friedberg, Gold Coins of the World, From Ancient Times to the Present, 9th ed., Clifton, NJ: Coin and Currency Institute, 2017.
- [1]Richter, Jürg, Auction 46, Gold Coins and Medals, Zürich: Sincona AG, 2018.
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