New to the Darkside... Any Italian coin specialists out there?

BLee23

I am trying to find out what coinage would have circulated historically in Abruzzo pre-1900 and as far back as I can find information on. Any information would be much appreciated. Thanks!

ufdah

Hello-
Well I had to look to see where Abruzzo was located...now it is the Chieti province in Italy. Back In 1800 it was apart of the Kingdom of 2 Sicilies, however it was the very northern part of that area...being so close to Rome (about 80 miles)....Alot of coinage from the Papal States was probably circulated in the area. Im off point...In the early 1800's the coinage was 3 and 4 Cavalli, 6 Tornesi, 2, 3, 60, 120 Grana (this was between 1800-1813) Then they had reform coinage in approx. 1832 and the different coinages were Mezzo, Tornese, and Tornesi Grana, and Ducati these coins varied from 1832-1848 or so.............they were copper, and silver primarily with the Ducati struck in Gold. Hope any of this information is helpful and I am not a scholar so please forgive if I am off on any of the history information.

newsman

Most likely it's the coinage of Naples for much of its history, going back to the Middle Ages, but it might also be the Papal coinage, depending on where the border was drawn at any given time.

Naples coinage is very challenging to find earlier than the mid-19th century or so. There are a couple of common pieces that show up from time to time, but the rest are scarce.

ufdah

And hard to find in FINE + conditions as well, must be all the salt from the sea around Italy, it's the same for trying to find really good Philippines coinage in BU grades or higher from pre 1940....well good luck

newsman

Here's a Naples coin that's relatively easy to find in high grades. It's a tari of Charles II, dated 1686:

BLee23

Thank you for all of the great information guys.