210, Lot: 407. Estimate $150. Sold for $101. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

ITALY, Papal Medals. Innocent XI (Benedetto Odescalchi). 1676-1689. Æ Medal (37mm, 26.67 g, 12h). Giovanni Hamerani, engraver. INNOCEN · XI PONT · MAX, bust right, wearing tiara and mantum; trefoil stops / CONFORTAMINI ET NON DISSOLVANTVR MANVS VESTRÆ, double-headed imperial eagle right and eagle of Poland left, each holding sword in talon; below; winged lion left reaching upward and holding scepter. Mazio 343; Lincoln -; DDL pl. XXXVI, 11. Superb EF, a few die cracks.

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.