Tuscany 1807 ruspone Fr-339
This specimen was lot 30997 in Heritage sale 3081 (New York, January 2020), where it sold for $6,600. The catalog description[1] noted, "Italy: Tuscany. Charles Louis gold Ruspone (3 Zecchini) 1807 MS64 NGC. Struck with admirable precision, both in terms of centering and depth, leaving uniform rims framing devices standing in good relief against semi-mirrored fields, bright with cartwheeling golden luster. Notably rarely encountered as a type, and made yet more impressive in such praiseworthy condition, bordering on gem certification." This type was struck 1803-07. Numerous varieties are recorded for 1807 but this coin is too rare for varieties to bring a premium. 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 junior prince of the Spanish Bourbons.
Recorded mintage: unknown but scarce.
Specification: 10.47 g, .998 fine gold, 27 mm diameter.
Catalog reference: Mont-216, 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 Sam Spiegel, Heritage World and Ancient Coins Auction 3081, featuring the Caranett Collection, Dallas, TX: Heritage Auction Galleries, 2019.
Link to: