210, Lot: 405. Estimate $100. Sold for $213. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

ITALY, Papal Medals. Innocent XI (Benedetto Odescalchi). 1676-1689. Æ Medal (29mm, 18.17 g, 12h). Giovanni Hamerani, engraver. Dated year 1 (1676/7). INNOCEN · XI · PON MAX · AN · I ·, bust left, wearing tiara and cope; trefoil stops / SALVA · NOS · DOMINE, Christ advancing right on the sea, lifting up disciple; trefoil stops. Cf. Mazio 328/329 (obv./rev.); Lincoln 1389. Superb EF.

From the Luparello Collection.

Appearing to be a contender for the papacy after the death of Clement IX, Odescalchi was rejected by use of France’s veto. Following the death of Clement X, France again was to block Odescalchi from the position, but reluctantly decided to acquiesce, allowing him to become Innocent XI. A staunch reformer, he excommunicated Louis XIV of France on account of his collection of revenues from vacant sees, and later cut expenses and reformed the papal currency, thereby resulting in a balanced budget.