5 soldi - Théodore I
1736 year| Copper | 3.35 g | 24 mm |
| Issuer | Kingdom of Corsica (Corsica, French States) |
|---|---|
| King | Theodore I (1736) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Year | 1736 |
| Value | 5 Soldi (¼) |
| Currency | Lira (1736-1769) |
| Composition | Copper |
| Weight | 3.35 g |
| Diameter | 24 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-04 |
| Numista | N#120551 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Value in inner circle.
Script: Latin
Lettering:
PRO BONO PVR REGNI CO.
SOLDI
.
CINQ E
Engraver: Jules François de Pastoreccia d'Orezza dit Settecervella
Edge
Plain
Comment
Weight between 2.28g and 4.39g - Diameter 24mm - Shear-cut.
There are two obverse varieties:
Type A: the base of the crown is slightly curved and bears 10 pearls, the right-hand palm ends on a single point and the chevron has the two lower points aligned.
Type B: the base of the horizontal crown bears 9 pearls, the right-hand palm ends in two points and the chevron has the three points equally marked.
There are four varieties on the reverse:
Type A: value on three lines SOLDI / CINQV / E - legend PRO.BONO.PVBLICO.RE.C - the word PRO begins on the right at four o'clock.
Type B: value on two lines SOLD / CINQ. - legend PRO*BONO*PVB*REGNI*CO* - the word PRO starts on the left at ten o'clock.
Type C: value on two lines SOLD / FIVE - legend PRO*BONO*PVB*REGNI*CO* - the word PRO starts on the left at ten o'clock.
Type D: value on two lines SOLDI . FIVE - legend PRO BONO PVBLICO RE. CE. - the word PRO begins on the left at eight o'clock.
The two varieties of obverse exist with the four varieties of reverse, coins in photos obverse type B and reverse type D.
Funds holding 5 soldi coins
BnF Paris - Hermitage Museum, St. Petersburg - British Museum, London - National Museum, Rome - Correr Museum, Venice - Kunsthistorisches Museum, Vienna - Staatliche Museum, Berlin - 5 examples in private collections.
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about the 5 soldi coin from the Kingdom of Corsica is that it was issued during the reign of Théodore I, who was a unique ruler in that he was a former Jesuit priest and a philosopher. He was known for his progressive ideas and his efforts to modernize the island of Corsica, which was a French territory at the time. Despite his efforts, the kingdom was short-lived and was eventually annexed by France. The coin is a reminder of this brief period of independence and the vision of a forward-thinking ruler.
