Sicily 1737-FN grano

Heritage sale 3073, lot 31456

This specimen was lot 31456 in Heritage sale 3073 (Chicago, April 2019), where it sold for $1,200. The catalog description^[1] noted, "Sicily. Carlo Grano 1737-FN MS66 Brown NGC, Palermo mint. An exquisite representative of this two-year type in what is likely an unbeatable level of preservation. The near-pristine planchet is infused with glossy, molasses coloration, brightened by fantastic teal iridescence that shimmers from the fields. Utterly bold and unmatched at the certified level." This grano was struck in Palermo 1737-38, but is not listed as rare. Other copper issues of this ruler include a two grana (1738, 1747, 1755), three grana (1746-47), and five grana (1746-47), all much rarer. Carlo di Borbone became king of Spain on the death of his half brother in 1759, whereupon he left Italy, never to return. His third son, Ferdinand, succeeded.

Recorded mintage: unknown.

Specification: copper, 3.80-4.85 g, 23-24 mm diameter.

Catalog reference: Mont-220, KM 158.

Source:

• Michael, Thomas, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1701-1800, 7th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2016.
• Fabrizi, Davide, Monete Italiane Regionale: Napoli, Pavia: Edizioni Numismatica Varesi, 2010.
• 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 and Warren Tucker, Heritage World and Ancient Coins Auction 3073, featuring the Lake County Collection of British coins, Dallas, TX: Heritage Auction Galleries, 2019.

Link to:

• 1735 12 tari, Carlo III di Borbone
• 1736 oncia, Carlo III di Borbone
• 1739 oncia
• Coins and currency dated 1737
• return to coins of Italy, Naples & Sicily