Tuscany 1738 1/2 francescone
This specimen was lot 21401 in Stack's Bowers ANA sale (Las Vegas, August 2020), where it did not sell. The catalog description[1] noted, "ITALY. Tuscany. 1/2 Francescone, 1738. Florence Mint. Francesco II di Lorena. PCGS AU-58 Gold Shield. An incredibly vibrant and alluring issue, this steel gray example features a shimmering iridescence highlighting the legends and devices and only the slightest hint of gentle wear on the highest points. From the Jasmine Collection." This type was struck 1738-45 for Francis of Lorraine, husband of Maria Theresia of Austria, who was given Tuscany as compensation for being ousted from Lorraine by the French. This coin had a face value of five paoli and was the first of this denomination. Francis was succeeded by Peter Leopold, the second son of Maria Theresia. Peter Leopold became emperor himself on the death of Joseph in 1790 but his reign lasted only until his death in 1792. In 1800, Tuscany was occupied by the French and not returned to Hapsburg rule until 1815.
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: 13.60 g, 0.917 fine silver.
Catalog reference: KM-C6.
- Michael, Thomas, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1701-1800, 7th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2016.
- [1]Orsini, Matt, Richard Ponterio and Kyle Ponterio, The August 2020 ANA Auction: World Coins, featuring the Duke of Lansing Collection, Santa Ana, CA: Stack's Bowers LLC, 2020.
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