Papal States 1861-R 2-1/2 scudi
The first coinage reform in the Papal States was implemented in the early 1830's during the reign of Gregory XVI (1831-46). All the doppie, zecchini, guili, testoni, etc., were dropped in favor of a silver scudo divided into one hundred baiocchi. Gold one, 2½, five and ten scudi were minted at Rome and Bologna until 1865. This specimen was lot 30157 in Heritage sale 3040 (Chicago, April 2015), where it sold for $881.25. The catalog description[1] noted, "Papal States. Pius IX gold 2-1/2 Scudi 1861-R (Year XV) MS66 NGC, Rome mint. Entirely radiant with carefully preserved surfaces that are particularly choice, even for the grade, on the obverse. Tied with one other piece for the finest certified at NGC."
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: 4.33 g, 0.900 fine gold, .125 troy oz AGW.
Catalog reference: KM 1117, Fr-273, Ber-3306.
- Berman, Allen G., Papal Coins, South Salem, NY: Attic Books, 1991.
- 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.
- 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.
- Michael, Thomas, and Tracy L. Schmidt, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1801-1900, 9th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2019.
- Francesco Muntoni, Le Monete del Papi e Degli Stati Pontifici, 4 vols. Rome: P & P Santamaria, 1973.
- [1]Bierrenbach, Cristiano, Warren Tucker and David Michaels, Heritage Signature Auction 3040, featuring the Santa Maria, the Alan Dean and the Valley View Life Collections, Dallas, TX: Heritage Auction Galleries, 2015.
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