Venice (1722-23)-VQ 15 zecchini
This specimen was lot 30394 in Heritage auction 3096 (Dallas, TX, March 2021), where it sold for $240,000. The catalog description[1] noted,
"Stunningly Well-Preserved and Potentially Unique 15 Zecchini. Venice. Alvise Mocenigo III gold Scudo della Croce of 15 Zecchini ND (1722-1732)-VQ MS66★ NGC, Vincenzo Querini as mintmaster. Described as Paolucci-136.2 var. on the holder, referring to the piece's design, struck with Scudo Della Croce dies, though this example is struck in a heavier weight of 15 Zecchini, rather than the listed 12 Zecchini. The specimen's rarity is without question, and it may well be unique, as the consignor posits. Even then, what brings the status of this offering to a truly elite level is its stunning preservation; its gem-quality is indisputable, placing it within a foremost tier across all coinage in the wider series of which it is a part. Brightly shimmering luster in the fields remains intense and unbroken by any noteworthy instances of handling or contact, earning the specimen a "Star" designation by NGC for exceptional eye appeal. In total, a stunningly preserved specimen of the utmost scarcity, all but ensuring that another opportunity will not exist until this offering is seen again, perhaps many years from now. From the Paramount Collection."
The scudo delle croce (Dav-1535) was a silver coin worth 140 soldi or seven lire. This is a presentation piece struck in gold.
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: 52.5 g, gold, this specimen 52.36 g.
Catalog reference: KM-Unl., Fr-Unl., CNI-Unl., Paolucci-Unl., Bellesia-Unl.
- 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, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1701-1800, 7th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2016.
- Montenegro, Eupremio, Montenegro 2015: Manuale del Collezionista di Monete Italiane, 30 ed., Torino, Italy: Montenegro s.a.s., 2014.
- [1]Cristiano Bierrenbach, Warren Tucker and Sam Spiegel, The Paramount Collection World & Ancient Coins: Signature Auction 3096, Dallas, TX: Heritage Auction Galleries, 2021.
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