Papal States 1839-R 5 scudi
This specimen was lot 2862 in Sincona sale 80 (Zürich, October 2022), where it sold for 3,400 CHF (about US$4,075 including buyer's fees). The catalog description[1] noted, "ITALY | Vatican - Church State, Gregor XVI. 1831-1846. 5 Scudi 1839 / Anno IX R, Roma. Very rare date. NGC MS65. Magnificent condition." This type was struck in Rome 1835-46. The bust is of Gregory XVI. For 1839, two edge lettering varieties are noted, regnal year VIII and IX (shown here). The early coinage of the Papal States used an antique monetary system. Five quattrini = one baiocco; 5 baiocchi = 1 grosso; 6 grossi = 4 carlini = 3 paoli = 1 testone; 10 testone = 1 doppia; 100 baiocchi = 1 scudi. In 1866, the currency was reformed to use centesimi and lire in order to match that of the surrounding kingdom of Italy. In 1870, the Papal States were occupied and annexed by the kingdom of Italy and coinage ceased until 1929.
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: 8.66 g, 0.900 fine gold, this specimen 8.65 g.
Catalog reference: KM 1107, Mont. 43 (R2), Pagani 181, Fr-265, Ber-3283.
- Berman, Allen G., Papal Coins, South Salem, NY: Attic Books, 1991.
- Michael, Thomas, and Tracy L. Schmidt, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1801-1900, 9th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2019.
- 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
- 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.
- Francesco Muntoni, Le Monete del Papi e Degli Stati Pontifici, 4 vols. Rome: P & P Santamaria, 1973.
- [1]Richter, Jürg, SINCONA Auction 80, World Coins and Medals, SINCONA Bullion Auction, World Banknotes, Coins and Medals from Switzerland, Zürich: SINCONA AG, 2022.
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