Tuscany (1621-70) lira
This specimen was lot 1777 in Jean Elsen sale 143 (Brussels, December 2019), where it did not sell. The catalog description[1] noted,
"ITALIE, TOSCANE, Ferdinand II de Médicis (1621-1670), AR lira, s.d., Florence. D/ B. cuir. à d. R/ La décollation de saint Jean-Baptiste. presque Très Beau. (Italy, grand duchy of Tuscany, Ferdinand II de Medicis, 1621-70, undated silver lira, Florence mint. obverse: armored bust right; reverse: the beheading of John the Baptist. about Very Fine).)"
This obscure type is not listed in the SCWC. The Florentine republic, a leader of the Renaissance, collapsed in the early 1500's under economic decline, foreign invasion and internal strife. To keep the region out of the hands of the Spaniards, the emperor converted the republic into a grand duchy and awarded it in 1530 to the Medici family, who held it until its extinction in 1737.
Reported Mintage: unknown.
Specification: silver, this specimen 4,61 g.
Catalog reference: M.I.R. 300/1.
- Cuhaj, George S., and Thomas Michael, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1601-1700, 6th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2014.
- [1]Elsen, Philippe, Vente Publique 143, Brussels: Jean Elsen et ses Fils, S.A., 2019.
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