Tuscany 1725 zecchino Fr-328

Sincona sale 4, lot 4959

This specimen was lot 4959 in Sincona sale 4 (Zürich, October 2011), where it did not sell. The catalog description^[1] noted,

"ITALIEN Firenze Giovanni Gaston, 1723-1737. Zecchino 1733. Stilisierte Lilie. Rv. Sitzender Johannes der Täufer von der Seite. Knickspur. Sehr schön. (Italy, Florence, duke Giovanni Gaston, 1723-37, zecchino of 1733. Obverse: fleur de lys; reverse: seated John the Baptist. Creased, very fine.)"

This type is listed for 1723-36 and is rare despite the many years of issue. By the early eighteenth century, Tuscany was a quiet backwater, no longer the proud republic of Florence, leader of the Renaissance. Duke Giovanni Gaston was the last of the Medici dukes; on his death in 1737 the grand duchy passed to Francis of Lorraine, husband of Maria Theresia of Austria. Tuscany remained in the hands of various Austrian princelings until she was annexed by France in 1807.

Recorded mintage: unknown.

Specification: 3.49 g, 0.986 fine gold, .110 troy oz AGW, this specimen 3,47 g.

Catalog reference: CNI XII,403,20. Fr-328.

Source:

• Michael, Thomas, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1701-1800, 7th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2016.
• 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.
• ^[1]Numismatic Coins, Medals & Banknotes: Auction 4, Zürich: SINCONA AG, 2011.

Link to:

• Tuscany (1723-37) 5 quattrini Gian Gastone
• 1724 zecchino
• 1726 mezzo zecchino
• Genoa 1730 zecchino Fr-438
• 1729 zecchino
• Coins and currency dated 1725
• return to coins of Italy, Tuscany