MALTA, French Occupation. 1798-1800. AR 30 Tarì (40mm, 29.66 g, 12h). In the name and types of Ferdinand de Hompesch. Valletta mint. Dated 1798. EF.

Electronic Auction 546
Lot: 643. Estimated: $ 400

World, Silver

Sold For $ 800. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

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MALTA, French Occupation. 1798-1800. AR 30 Tarì (40mm, 29.66 g, 12h). In the name and types of Ferdinand de Hompesch. Valletta mint. Dated 1798. Armored and draped bust left / Crowned double headed eagle facing with wings spread, holding Maltese cross in each beak; coat-of-arms on breast. Gatt 28-30T-61R23; Restelli & Sammut 8; Schembri 3; Davenport 1611; KM 345.3. Toned, a few minor adjustment marks, minor old hairlines under tone. EF.

From the CJR Collection.

This issue is believed to have been struck during the French occupation of Malta by French Directory forces led by Napoleon at the outset of his Mediterranean campaign in 1798. Grandmaster Ferdinand de Hompesch was cautioned that the French fleet might make port at Malta with hostile intent as it progressed from Toulon towards its destination in Egypt. Unfortunately for the Knights, Ferdinand did not make satisfactory preparations for a potential invasion by the French expeditionary force. On June 9th, the French fleet arrived in force. At first, Napoleon requested that French fleet simply be allowed to take on water provisions. Ferdinand’s war council determined that only a limited number of ships be permitted to enter the port at a time in accordance with the Knights governing statues during times of hostilities. Napoleon considered the rebuttal a sufficient casus belli and began landing forces. This put the Knights in an impossible position as their laws forbade them from fighting fellow Christians. As such, many members of the order were reluctant to meet the French in combat, viewing them as fellow brethren in Christ. The situation was complicated and exacerbated when many of the local indigenous Maltese sided with the French, seizing the opportunity to rid themselves of Knight governorship. Ferdinand found the situation impossible and surrendered. Ultimately, the local Maltese at first welcomed the change in government, but revolted against the French once new taxes were imposed and the French government refused to settle the Knights’ financial obligations. In the end, a British led coalition later forced the French out and made Malta a British Protectorate. The Knights sought refuge elsewhere and were forced to relocate throughout Europe. Ferdinand himself endured various administrative and financial difficulties and ultimately died destitute in Montpellier in 1805.

Closing Date and Time: 13 September 2023 at 13:34:00 ET.

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