Catalog
See full images - free registration
Continue with Google - no registration!
or register with email
Why register? Just to keep bots out of our catalog. Your email stays private - we will never share it or send you anything uninvited. We guarantee you that!
1 Testone - Giovanni Battista Spinola Sede Vacante
| Issuer | Papal States |
|---|---|
| Year | 1700 |
| Type | Commemorative circulation coin |
| Value | Log in to see details |
| Currency | Log in to see details |
| Composition | Log in to see details |
| Weight | Log in to see details |
| Diameter | Log in to see details |
| Thickness | Log in to see details |
| Shape | Log in to see details |
| Technique | Log in to see details |
| Orientation | Log in to see details |
| Engraver(s) | Log in to see details |
| In circulation to | Log in to see details |
| Reference(s) | Log in to see details |
| Obverse description | Log in to see details |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Log in to see details |
| Obverse lettering | SEDE * VACANTE * MDCC (Translation: Vacant Seat 1700) |
| Reverse description | A radiant dove, symbolic of the Holy Spirit (Paraclete), depicted with wings spread and facing upward at the centre of the field, surrounded by an elaborate glory of long radiating rays filling the entire reverse field. The circular Latin legend, divided by the mint name ROMA at the base, reads PARACLITVS ILLVMINET ROMA, invoking the Holy Spirit to illuminate Rome during the interregnum. The reeded edge frames the strongly struck design in a characteristic late baroque style. |
| Reverse script | Log in to see details |
| Reverse lettering | Log in to see details |
| Edge | Log in to see details |
| Mint | Log in to see details |
| Mintage | Log in to see details |
| Additional information |
Giovanni Battista Spinola served as Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church during the Sede Vacante following the death of Innocent XII in September 1700 — one of the most consequential interregnums of the early eighteenth century, occurring as the War of the Spanish Succession was about to fracture Europe. The Camerlengo held exclusive authority to mint coinage during a vacancy, a privilege that made these brief issues politically charged as much as numismatically distinct.
The conclave that followed lasted barely six weeks, electing Clement XI on November 23. Short vacancy, tight window of production.