Heritage World Coin Auctions
ANA Signature Sale 3094 19-20 Aug 2021
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Ragusa
Maria Theresa Tallero (Vizlin) 1748-Dated (1798) MS61 NGC, KM-Unl., Dav-Unl., CNI-IXb.259 (not illustrated, though referencing this coin), Dechant-Unl., Rešetar-3157 (this coin), Dolenec-pg. 59 (same), Mimica-1011 (same), Viščević-14.377 (same). 28.78gm. By Giovanni Angeli (?). An intriguing and, by all indications, entirely unique emission, preserved in an enviable level of quality typically unimaginable even for the regular issues of Ragusa from this period. According to Milan Rešetar ("Ein ungarisch-ragusanischer Taler der Kaiserin Maria Theresa"), this type was produced under the auspices of mintmaster Giovanni Angeli (the artist behind the Ducatos of 1797, cf. KM15), with the intention of appealing to the Austro-Hungarian crown for its aid in quelling a local insurrection instigated by the Revolutionary French Fleet, which had threatened an invasion of the Republic in 1798 during Napoleon's Mediterranean Campaigns if it did not pay a substantial contribution. Interestingly, Rešetar also comments that the issue should more properly be identified as a private issue, as the reference which the coin draws to the old Hungarian protectorate over the Republic is highly antithetical to Ragusa's near constant policy of neutrality, a fact demonstrated by the Senate's refusal to admit even the slightest indication of foreign domination on its coins; indeed, somewhat ironically, the date which the piece bears corresponds to the end of the War of the Austrian Succession, a conflict during which Ragusa remained strictly neutral. Even from a glance, it is hardly difficult to see why the Corpus Nummorum Italicorum suggests that the selection may be a medal-though of Tallero size, the devices have been executed with remarkable clarity, extending from the curls of Maria Theresa's hair and the decoration on her brocade to the very denticles along the edges. A shimmering metallic and champagne backlight washes over the surfaces upon rotation, creating a finish of near Specimen-like specifications. This coin is sold with an old handwritten ticket dated 1975, adding further confirmation to its provenance from the distinguished Italian collection of Count Zoppola. An absolutely singular opportunity by all measures, and a chance to acquire what might be a distinguished private citizen's attempt to appeal to a foreign government to save his Republic from the ravages of the French under Napoleon.
Ex. Numismatik Lanz München Auction 115 (May 2003, Lot 97); Count Panceira di Zoppola Collection
https://coins.ha.com/itm/ragusa/ragusa-maria-theresa-tallero-vizlin-1748-dated-1798-ms61-ngc-/a/3094-33282.s?type=CoinArchives3094
HID02906262019
© 2020 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved
Estimate: 20000-30000 USD
Maria Theresa Tallero (Vizlin) 1748-Dated (1798) MS61 NGC, KM-Unl., Dav-Unl., CNI-IXb.259 (not illustrated, though referencing this coin), Dechant-Unl., Rešetar-3157 (this coin), Dolenec-pg. 59 (same), Mimica-1011 (same), Viščević-14.377 (same). 28.78gm. By Giovanni Angeli (?). An intriguing and, by all indications, entirely unique emission, preserved in an enviable level of quality typically unimaginable even for the regular issues of Ragusa from this period. According to Milan Rešetar ("Ein ungarisch-ragusanischer Taler der Kaiserin Maria Theresa"), this type was produced under the auspices of mintmaster Giovanni Angeli (the artist behind the Ducatos of 1797, cf. KM15), with the intention of appealing to the Austro-Hungarian crown for its aid in quelling a local insurrection instigated by the Revolutionary French Fleet, which had threatened an invasion of the Republic in 1798 during Napoleon's Mediterranean Campaigns if it did not pay a substantial contribution. Interestingly, Rešetar also comments that the issue should more properly be identified as a private issue, as the reference which the coin draws to the old Hungarian protectorate over the Republic is highly antithetical to Ragusa's near constant policy of neutrality, a fact demonstrated by the Senate's refusal to admit even the slightest indication of foreign domination on its coins; indeed, somewhat ironically, the date which the piece bears corresponds to the end of the War of the Austrian Succession, a conflict during which Ragusa remained strictly neutral. Even from a glance, it is hardly difficult to see why the Corpus Nummorum Italicorum suggests that the selection may be a medal-though of Tallero size, the devices have been executed with remarkable clarity, extending from the curls of Maria Theresa's hair and the decoration on her brocade to the very denticles along the edges. A shimmering metallic and champagne backlight washes over the surfaces upon rotation, creating a finish of near Specimen-like specifications. This coin is sold with an old handwritten ticket dated 1975, adding further confirmation to its provenance from the distinguished Italian collection of Count Zoppola. An absolutely singular opportunity by all measures, and a chance to acquire what might be a distinguished private citizen's attempt to appeal to a foreign government to save his Republic from the ravages of the French under Napoleon.
Ex. Numismatik Lanz München Auction 115 (May 2003, Lot 97); Count Panceira di Zoppola Collection
https://coins.ha.com/itm/ragusa/ragusa-maria-theresa-tallero-vizlin-1748-dated-1798-ms61-ngc-/a/3094-33282.s?type=CoinArchives3094
HID02906262019
© 2020 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved
Estimate: 20000-30000 USD