1 Florin - Francis II 1737-1741 front 1 Florin - Francis II 1737-1741 back
1 Florin - Francis II 1737-1741 photo
© Aurora Numismatica

1 Florin - Francis II

 
Gold (.999) 3.50 g 22 mm
Description
Issuer
Grand Duchy of Tuscany (Italian States)
Grand duke
Francis II (1737-1765)
Type
Standard circulation coin
Years
1737-1741
Value
1 Florin (Fiorino) (40⁄3)
Currency
Lira (1533-1826)
Composition
Gold (.999)
Weight
3.50 g
Diameter
22 mm
Shape
Round
Demonetized
Yes
Updated
2024-10-05
References
Numista
N#431797
Rarity index
100%

Reverse

John the Baptist seated facing slightly to left

Script: Latin

Lettering: S·IOANNES·BAPTISTA·1739·

Comment

Known in Italian as Fiorino or Zecchino

 

Note that the legend on the obverse reads FRANC·III and not FRANC·II as expected. This is due to Grand Duke Francis II's personal preference to continue using his old title als Duke of Lorraine, which was Francis III.

 

Two legend varieties exist:

 

1. one dot (above lily) - 1739, 1741

 

2. two dots (dot on either side of lily) - 1737, 1739

Interesting fact

One interesting fact about the 1 Florin - Francis II 1737-1741 coin from the Grand Duchy of Tuscany is that it was minted during a time of great economic and political change in the region. The coin was issued during the reign of Francis II, who was the last Medici Grand Duke of Tuscany and ruled from 1737 until his death in 1741. During his reign, Tuscany faced significant economic challenges, including a large national debt and a decline in trade and commerce. Despite these challenges, the coin remains a valuable and sought-after collector's item due to its rarity and historical significance.