© Bibliothèque nationale de France / Gallica
© Bibliothèque nationale de France / Gallica
Demi-écu mezzo scudo - Théodore I
1736 year| Silver | 12 g | 33 mm |
| Issuer | Kingdom of Corsica (Corsica, French States) |
|---|---|
| King | Theodore I (1736) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Year | 1736 |
| Value | ½ écu (½ scudo) |
| Currency | Lira (1736-1769) |
| Composition | Silver |
| Weight | 12 g |
| Diameter | 33 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-04 |
| Numista | N#389275 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
The Immaculate Virgin, facing front and nimbed with five stars, a half-moon under her feet, with the vintage on either side. The legend between two circles of greneti.
Script: Latin
Lettering: MONSTRA*TE*ESSE*MATREM*S*P*
Engraver: Prete Capotto
Edge
Plain.
Comment
Weight between 10.41g and 14.08g - Diameter between 31.5mm and 34mm - Shear-cut.
Holders of half-ecu coins
BnF Paris - British Museum, London - National Museum, Rome - Correr Museum, Venice - 2 examples in the Kunsthistorisches Museum, Vienna - 2 examples in a private collection.
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about the Demi-écu (mezzo scudo) coin from the Kingdom of Corsica is that it was minted during the reign of Théodore I, who was a unique figure in Corsican history. He was a Genoese-born military leader who became the ruler of Corsica in 1736 and attempted to establish the island as an independent state. The coin bearing his name and image is a rare and valuable collector's item, reflecting the brief but significant period of Corsican independence under Théodore's rule.