Malta 1723 2 zecchini Fr-27
This specimen was lot 5150 in Sincona sale 4 (Zürich, October 2011), where it sold for 3,200 CHF (about US$4,257 including buyer's fees). The catalog description[1] noted,
"MALTA Johanniterorden auf Rhodos und Malta Antonio Manuel de Vilhena, 1722-1736. 2 Zecchini 1723. Geharnischtes Brustbild nach rechts. Rv. Gekröntes Wappen. Fast vorzüglich. (Order of Malta, Antonio Manuel de Vilhena, 1722-1736. two zecchini or double ducat of 1723. Obverse: armored bust to right; reverse: crowned arms. Nice extremely fine.)"
Ferdinand von Hompesch was the last grand master of the knights of Malta before the Order was evicted from the island by Napoleon. The British in turn evicted the French but never returned the island to the Order, retaining it as a colony until 1964. The Order today runs charity hospitals in Europe and is headquartered in Rome. Thirty tari made a piastra or tallero. This type is recorded for 1723 only and is rare.
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: 7 g, 0.986 fine gold, this specimen 6,93 g.
Catalog reference: R.S. 26. Fr-27, KM 183.
- Michael, Thomas, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1701-1800, 7th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2016.
- [1]Numismatic Coins, Medals & Banknotes: Auction 4, Zurich: SINCONA AG, 2011.
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