Tuscany 1778 1/2 francescone KM-C19
This specimen was lot 1117 in Steve Album Auction 51 (Santa Rosa, CA, January 2025), where it sold for $570. The catalog description[1] noted, "TUSCANY: Pietro Leopoldo, 1765-1790, AR 5 paoli (1/2 francescone), 1778, scarce denomination and grade, NGC graded AU55, S." This denomination was introduced in 1738, soon after the Lorrainers supplanted the Medicis, and this style was struck 1778-79 and 1787. Another variety (KM C19a) has the archduke's hair flowing loose. Despite the "PISIS" stamped on the reverse, this coin was struck in Florence, not Pisa. Peter Leopold was the second son of Maria Theresia of Austria and emperor Joseph II's brother. He became emperor himself on the death of Joseph in 1790 but his reign lasted only until his death in 1792.
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specifications: 13.74 g, 0.917 fine silver, 34 mm diameter.
Catalog reference: KM-C19.
- Gigante, Fabio, Gigante 2016: Catalogo Nazionale delle Monete Italiano Dal '700 All'Euro, 24a ed. Varese, Italy, 2015.
- Michael, Thomas, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1701-1800, 7th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2016.
- Montenegro, Eupremio, Montenegro 2015: Manuale del Collezionista di Monete Italiane, 30 ed., Torino, Italy: Montenegro s.a.s., 2014.
- [1]Album, Stephen, Joseph Lang, Paul Montz, Michael Barry and Norman Douglas Nicol, Auction 51, featuring the Howard Daniel III Collection of Asian Coins, the Almer H. Orr III Collection of World Coins and the Joe Sedillot Collection of German Coins, Santa Rosa, CA: Stephen Album Rare Coins, Inc., 2024.
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