Tuscany 1804 ruspone Fr-339
This specimen was lot 30263 in Heritage sale 3037 (New York, January 2015), where it sold for $3,995. The catalog description[1] noted, "Tuscany. Charles Louis de Bourbon gold Ruspone (3 Zechinni) 1804 MS63 NGC. A sparkling specimen with lustrous, golden surfaces accented by light auburn tone. The obverse motif of John the Baptist is sharp, with nicely-raised definition and the reverse fleur de lis design is impeccable. A glowing jewel with instant allure, seldom encountered in this elite quality." This type was struck 1803-07. This coin had a face value of three ducats. In 1800, Tuscany was occupied by the French and not returned to Hapsburg rule until 1815. Charles Louis was a grandson of Charles IV of Spain. He was king of Etruria (one of Napoleon's puppet states) 1803-07, duke of Lucca 1824-47 and duke of Parma 1847-49, after which he lived in exile as a private citizen, dying in 1883.
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: 10.41 g, .998 fine gold, .334 troy oz AGW.
Catalog reference: KM-C52, Fr-339.
- 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.
- Michael, Thomas, and Tracy L. Schmidt, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1801-1900, 9th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2019.
- 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]Bierrenbach, Cristiano, Warren Tucker and Scott Cordry, Heritage Signature Auction 3037, featuring the Empire, the Santa Catarina, the Law and the Santa Maria Collections, Dallas, TX: Heritage Auction Galleries, 2014.
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