Fascinating design from Malta - 2 tari

worldcoinguy

This 2 Tari piece in the upcoming Kuenker catalog made me do a double take. It appears to be the head of John the Baptist on a plate. Disturbing yet fascinating given the time period (late 16th century). Kuenker handles some amazing numismatic pieces in their auctions.

worldcoinguy

For those so inclined:
link to lot in March auction

Disclaimer - I have no personal interest in it; my apologies if you were secretly pursuing it.

SaorAlba

It was actually issued when the Order of Malta controlled Malta - now the Order still exists with some diplomatic recognition and still issues coins - back in the 1960s they issued a coin with a similar design.

bronzemat

Reminds me of a Pesttaler. Neat.

LochNESS

They issued one in the 1960s, with John the Baptist, but his head was not on a platter. It was a regular bust. I handled one in proof 64 PCGS for a client two years ago. The frost was flaking off. I believe it was a common problem for that type.