ITALY, Papal (Papal state). Clement VII. 1523-1534. AR Doppio carlino (28mm, 5.32 g, 9h). Rome mint. Dies by Benvenuto Cellini. Struck 1529-1534. VF.

Electronic Auction 557
Lot: 554. Estimated: $ 750

The J. Eric Engstrom Collection: Papal, Silver

Sold For $ 1 000. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

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ITALY, Papal (Papal state). Clement VII. 1523-1534. AR Doppio carlino (28mm, 5.32 g, 9h). Rome mint. Dies by Benvenuto Cellini. Struck 1529-1534. Bust left, wearing mantum and zucchetto / Christ standing left, pulling St. Peter from water with right hand. MIR 809/1; Muntoni 43; Berman 841. Toned, minor porosity, a few tiny scratches. VF.

From the J. Eric Engstrom Collection, purchased from Thomas Tesoriero, May 1989.

Cellini’s tempestuous relationship with Clement VII is revealed in vivid detail in his autobiography. During the sack of Rome by the Imperial forces of the Constable of Bourbon both artist and pontiff found themselves holed up the Castel San Angelo. Cellini gained distinction manning the guns defending the castle. During the siege Clement ordered Cellini to melt down the papal collection of great jewels. Some time later Cellini had to beg the pope’s forgiveness for ‘accidentally’ not returning over a pound of gold he had accumulated in the process.

Closing Date and Time: 6 March 2024 at 13:04:20 ET.

All winning bids are subject to a 20% buyer’s fee.