Lot 732
Italy -- Papal States. Piastra, Year III (1693). Dav-4103; KM-569; CNI-36; Muntoni-23; Serafini-34; Berman-2229. 32.06 grams. Innocent XII (Antonio Pignatelli), 1691-1700. Draped and capped bust right. Reverse: Charity seated right, with infant at breast, two toddlers at feet; date incuse on column, arms of Mnsr. Farzetti below. Splendid strike and centering. Handsome, old artistic toning. Rare, particularly in this quality. NGC graded MS-61.
One of the better Popes, Innocent had to wait five months to be elected after the death of the previous pope. He was the compromise candidate between the French and Imperial factions, and eventually worked to eliminate nepotism and simony, two of the major abuses of the church. Had Innocent served two hundred years earlier, perhaps Martin Luther would not have had so much to complain about and there would have been no split from the Catholic Church. His Eminence is splendidly represented on this beautiful coin.
Estimated Value $3,000 - 3,500.
Illustrated in Money of The World, coin 114.
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| Realized $4,255 |
