Papal States (1682) piastra Dav-4092
This specimen was lot 4001 in Stack's-Bowers NYINC sale (New York, January 2015), where it sold for $793.13. The catalog description[1] noted, "ITALY. Papal States. Piastra (Scudo of 80 Bolognini), ND (1682). Innocent XI (1676-89). NGC AU Details--Surface Hairlines. Lightly cleaned and unobtrusive hairlines present. Otherwise a bright attractive example." Coinage of the Papal States remains popular today for, besides the strong associations for Catholics, this period saw a string of commemorative issues featuring wonderfully vivid portraits of the various men who occupied the throne of St. Peter. This issue is among the more available. This type was issued 1682 for Innocent XI in two varieties, with (Dav-4091) and without seraph on the reverse (shown here). The piastra was the Italian equivalent of the German thaler.
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: 26.45 g, silver, 0.917 fine.
Catalog reference: Dav-4092; KM-427; Berman-2087.
- Berman, Allen G., Papal Coins, South Salem, NY: Attic Books, 1991.
- Cuhaj, George S., and Thomas Michael, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1601-1700, 6th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2014.
- Davenport, John S., European Crowns, 1600-1700, Galesburg, IL, 1974.
- Francesco Muntoni, Le Monete del Papi e Degli Stati Pontifici, 4 vols. Rome: P & P Santamaria, 1973.
- [1]Ponterio, Richard, The January 2015 NYINC Auction: Ancient Coins, World Coins & Paper Money, Featuring the John W. Adams and Ray Czabor Collections, Irvine, CA: Stack's Bowers LLC, 2014.
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