ITALY, Papal (Papal state). Gregory XIII. 1572-1585. AR Testone (29.5mm, 8.87 g, 6h). Ancona mint. Dated 1581. VF.

Electronic Auction 546
Lot: 633. Estimated: $ 100

World, Silver

Sold For $ 300. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

Go to Live

ITALY, Papal (Papal state). Gregory XIII. 1572-1585. AR Testone (29.5mm, 8.87 g, 6h). Ancona mint. Dated 1581. Bust right / Christ standing facing, holding shovel set on ground to left, drawing away from Mary Magdalene, to right, kneeling left, extending hand to Christ; in exergue, coat-of-arms surmounted by tasseled gallero. MIR 211/6; Muntoni 203; Berman 1213. Toned, marks, deposits. VF.

From the CJR Collection.

The reverse of this issue recounts the passage in the Gospel of John 20: 14-17 where Mary Magdalene sees the risen Christ near his tomb and initially mistakes him for the gardener. To illustrate this, the coin’s reverse depicts Christ holding a shovel. Additionally, the reverse legend quotes the Latin text of the Vulgate in verse 17 where Christ admonished Mary “noli me tangere” – “do not touch me,” on account of his not having yet ascended into heaven. This was a popular scene depicted in Renaissance Europe. Another example with a similar depiction of this scene is found in the illuminated prayer book of Charles the Bold from the late 15th century.

Closing Date and Time: 13 September 2023 at 13:30:40 ET.

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