1/2 Scudo d'Oro - Clement XI

Clement XI's pontificate was dominated almost immediately by the War of the Spanish Succession, and 1706 was among its most punishing years — the same year Imperial forces under Eugene of Savoy routed the French at Turin and began pressing into papal territory. Clement's political navigation between the Habsburgs and Bourbons was catastrophic; he recognized Philip V of Spain, then was effectively coerced into reversing course, satisfying neither side. Papal finances reflected the strain.

MIR 2257/1 distinguishes the first die marriage of this type. Population in high grades is thin.