Corsica 1764 4 soldi
This specimen was lot 1470 in Sincona sale 59 (Zürich, October 2019), where it sold for 300 CHF (about US$363 including buyer's fees). The catalog description[1] noted,
"FRANCE | Korsika, General Pascal Paoli, 1762-1768. 4 Soldi 1764, Murato. Geprägt während des Widerstands gegen die Herrschaft Genuas und Frankreichs, 1755-1769. Fast vorzüglich. Trotz leicht korrodierter Oberfläche überdurchschnittlich erhalten. (France, island of Corsica, Pascal Paoli, 1762-68, four soldi of 1764, Murato mint. struck during the revolt against Genoese and French rule, 1755-69. About extremely fine, Despite some usual corrosion, extraordinary condition.)"
We have filed this rare issue under Genoa, which in 1764 was the nominal ruler of the island. In 1768, the Genoese, unable to subdue the rebellion, cheerfully sold Corsica to the French, which proceeded to reconquer the island with fire and desolation. This type was struck 1762-67 by Pasquale Paoli, the leader of the rebels.
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: billon, this specimen 0.80 g.
Catalog reference: KM C7, Gadoury 7. Varesi 4/3.
- Michael, Thomas, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1701-1800, 7th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2016.
- [1]Richter, Jürg, Sincona Auction 59: Gold and Silver Coins and Medals; Coins and Medals from Switzerland, Zürich: SINCONA AG, 2019.
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