Tuscany 1779 1/2 francescone KM-C19
This specimen was lot 1268 in Sincona sale 76 (Zürich, May 2022), where it sold for 2,000 CHF (about US$2,428 including buyer's fees). The catalog description[1] noted,
"ITALY | Toskana. Pietro Leopoldo di Lorena, 1765-1790. 1/2 Francescone 1779, Firenze. Sehr selten in dieser Erhaltung. Fast FDC. NGC MS63+. Prachtexemplar. (Italy, grand duchy of Tuscany, Peter Leopold of Lorraine, 1765-90, half francescone of 1779, Florence mint. Very rare in this condition, About uncirculated, Cabinet piece.)"
Peter Leopold was the second son of Maria Theresia of Austria and emperor Joseph II's brother. He 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. This type was struck with tied hair (shown here) 1777-79 and with loose hair (KM C19a) 1778-79 and 1787. The denomination had a face value of five paoli.
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: 13.75 g, 0.917 fine silver, this specimen 13.77 g.
Catalog reference: KM C19a, MIR 386/3 (R2).
- Michael, Thomas, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1701-1800, 7th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2016.
- Gigante, Fabio, Gigante 2016: Catalogo Nazionale delle Monete Italiano Dal '700 All'Euro, 24a ed. Varese, Italy, 2015.
- Montenegro, Eupremio, Montenegro 2015: Manuale del Collezionista di Monete Italiane, 30 ed., Torino, Italy: Montenegro s.a.s., 2014.
- [1]Richter, Jürg, SINCONA Auction 76, The Annemarie and Gerd Köhlmoos Collection, Zürich: SINCONA AG, 2022.
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