Venice. Franz I (II) of Austria gold Zecchino ND (1815-1835) MS62 NGC, KM781 (misdescribed as with legend FRANC II), CNI-VIIIc.38, Ives-Plate VI, Bellesia-439 (R3). 3.49gm. A fascinating talisman of the change in the European political order following the Napoleonic wars, this short-lived type was produced during Franz I's visit of the Venice mint. Struck in two primary subvarieties, one using the king's ordinal as FRANC II and one as FRANC I, the coin at hand represents the latter of these two, reflecting Franz's adoption of the title 'Hereditary Emperor of Austria', following Napoleon's assumption of the title of 'Emperor of France' and the effective dissolution of the Holy Roman Empire after his formation of the Confederation of the Rhine in 1806. Executed in the classic style of the ducats and zecchinos of the late 18th century, the surfaces appear bright and original, a small degree of unevenness hardly obscuring plentiful die polish lines.

HID09801242017

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