New purchase - A couple of early 18th century Clements. This is becoming a habit!

For a guy who claims to specialize in metro STL National Banknotes, I seem to be wandering back to some of my earlier interests more and more. Altho they came from ebay, they were types I didn't have, came with nice portraits, interesting reverses with a story, pleasant toning and I thought were a reasonable balance of condition and price.

Both are testones. The first is Clement XI, year VI (1705/6). A nicely detailed portrait of Clement XI paired with the 3 graces standing in the Campidoglio. These have irregular flans so measures between 31.5 to 32.1mm. According to Coffin (1946) the reverse roughly translates a "Victory to the Worthy." I need to do a bit more research but I think its a reference to some of the pope's political struggles at the time. If you're keeping score, its Berman 2397 and Muntoni 64.

Second is of Clement XII, year 7 (1736/7) with Fortuna on the reverse. About 30.2 mm. I have a much higher grade of this type but with the papal arms on the obverse so this is a nice add for me. Coffin offers several interpretations of the reverse legend, but I think the best is "Trade restores the ways of prosperity." The papal finances were in something of a shambles when he became pope and the coin reflects some of his efforts to restore them; efforts that were at best only modestly successful. Berman 2619, Muntoni 25.





Pix are cobbled together from the seller since my I'm still trying to get my camera to get better fidelity. Nevertheless...what fun!

 

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Nice additions! The reverse design on the 1705/6 is excellent.

 

thanks!