Italy 1812-B 2 lire
This specimen was lot 2052 in Jean Elsen sale 158 (Brussels, March 2024), where it sold for €130 (about US$169 including buyer's fees). The catalog description[1] noted,
"ITALIE, Royaume, Napoléon Ier (1804-1814), AR 2 lire, 1812 B (sur 180. M), Bologne. Hallebardes à pointes triangulaires. Fines griffes au droit. Patine colorée. Très Beau à Superbe. (Italy, Napoleonic kingdom, 1804-14, silver two lire of 1812, 1812/02 overdate, Bologna mint, halberds with triangular points. Hairlines on the obverse, colorful patina, Very Fine - Extremely Fine.)"
This coin was struck in Bologna for Napoleon's kingdom of Italy which lasted 1804-1814. The two lire piece matched the French two francs and was struck in some numbers 1807-14. The silver two lire was also struck in Milan and Venice.
Reported Mintage: 44,000.
Specification: 10 g, 0.900 fine silver, .288 troy oz ASW, lettered edge.
Catalog reference: KM C9.2, M. 88; G. 141a.
- Michael, Thomas, and Tracy L. Schmidt, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1801-1900, 9th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2019.
- 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.
- [1]Elsen, Philippe, et al., Vente Publique 158, Monnaies de la Principauté de Liège, Brussels: Jean Elsen et ses Fils S.A., 2024.
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