Papal States (1689-90) testone KM-522

Heritage sale 3040, lot 32899

This specimen was lot 32899 in Heritage sale 3040 (Chicago, April 2015), where it sold for $940. The catalog description^[1] noted, "Papal States. Alexander VIII Testone ND (1689-90) MS63 NGC. Valued at 30 Baiocchi. St. Bruno is depicted kneeling in clouds, reverse Papal arms. Lovely toning with a sharp strike. One of the finest available today of this type." The testone was thirty baiocchi, while the piastra, the Italian equivalent of the German thaler, was 105 baiocchi (3½ testone). This specimen is undated; the SCWC only lists specimens dated 1689 and 1690 but the photo shown therein is of an undated specimen.

Recorded mintage: unknown.

Specification: 9.16 g, silver, 0.917 fine.

Catalog reference: Ber-2178, KM-522.

Source:

• Berman, Allen G., Papal Coins, South Salem, NY: Attic Books, 1991.
• Francesco Muntoni, Le Monete del Papi e Degli Stati Pontifici, 4 vols. Rome: P & P Santamaria, 1973.
• Cuhaj, George S., and Thomas Michael, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1601-1700, 6th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2014.
• ^[1]Bierrenbach, Cristiano, Warren Tucker and David Michaels, Heritage Signature Auction 3040, featuring the Santa Maria, the Alan Dean and the Valley View Life Collections, Dallas, TX: Heritage Auction Galleries, 2015.

Link to:

• 1689 testone, MELIVS EST DARE QVAM ACCIPERE
• 1689 testone
• 1689 mezzo grosso, sede vacante
• 1689 grosso sede vacante
• 1689 giulio
• 1689 piastra
• 1690 testone
• Coins and currency dated 1689
• return to coins of the Papal States