Tuscany 1738 paolo

Heritage sale 3029, lot 31608

This specimen was lot 31608 in Heritage sale 3029 (New York, January 2014), where it sold for $558.13. The catalog description^[1] noted, "Tuscany. Francesco III Paolo 1738, AU58 NGC. A superb piece with deeply toned surfaces and exceptionally sharp design features. Highly appealing!" This one year type was the first of its denomination. As one tenth of a francescone, it could be interpreted as a decimal coin but with the quattrini, florin, zecchini and rusponi also being issued, we don't believe a decimal system was intended. The denomination was revived in 1783 with a different bust. Francis of Lorraine was given Tuscany in 1737 in a three way deal wherein France was given the reversion of Lorraine, Francis married Maria Theresia of Austria and Francis was backed as a candidate for Holy Roman Emperor on the death of his father-in-law, Charles VI.

Recorded mintage: unknown.

Specification: 2.74 grams, .920 fine silver, .081 troy oz ASW.

Catalog reference: KM-C4.

Sources:

• Michael, Thomas, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1701-1800, 7th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2016.
• ^[1]Bierrenbach, Cristiano, Stuart Levine and Bruce Lorich, Heritage World and Ancient Coins Auction 3029, featuring Selections from the Eric P. Newman Collection, Part III, Dallas, TX: Heritage Auction Galleries, 2013.

Link to:

• Tuscany (1723-37) 5 quattrini Gian Gastone
• Tuscany 1738 1/2 francescone
• 1738 zecchino, Francis III
• 1738 unghero, Francis III
• 1748 francescone
• 1780 2 paoli
• 1783 paolo
• return to coins of Italy, Tuscany
• Coins and currency dated 1738