ITALY, Papal (Papal state). Innocent XII. 1691-1700. AR Mezza piastra (37mm, 15.96 g, 12h). Commemorating the Treaty of Ryswick. Rome mint. Dated RY 7 (AD 1698/9). AU.

Electronic Auction 557
Lot: 658. Estimated: $ 500

The J. Eric Engstrom Collection: Papal, Silver

Sold For $ 750. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

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ITALY, Papal (Papal state). Innocent XII. 1691-1700. AR Mezza piastra (37mm, 15.96 g, 12h). Commemorating the Treaty of Ryswick. Rome mint. Dated RY 7 (AD 1698/9). Bust right, wearing camauro, mozzetta, and pallium / Noah’s Ark resting on high ground of Ararat. MIR 2139/1; Muntoni 28; Bermam 2235; KM 607. Toned, cleaned, faint hairlines, minor flan flaws. AU.

From the J. Eric Engstrom Collection. Ex Classical Numismatic Group Electronic Auction 526 (2 November 2022), lot 883.

This type commemorates the signing of the Treaty of Ryswick, which ended the War of the Grand Alliance (1688-1697). This wide-ranging conflict was an attempt by the “Grand Alliance” – composed of the Holy Roman Empire, the German states, Sweden, Spain, and the Dutch Republic – to check the growing power of France under the expansionist Louis XIV. During the conflict, the papacy supported the Grand Alliance. Noah’s ark comes to rest on Mt. Ararat as the flood waters, signifying war, or perhaps France, recede.

Closing Date and Time: 6 March 2024 at 13:39:00 ET.

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