Papal States, Antonio Pignatelli, Innocent XII, 1691-1700.

Quadrupla or 4 Scudi 1694, Rome. Bust of Innocent XII right / Fountain of Santa Maria. Date and arms in exergue. 13,41g. Berman 2211; Fr. 174.

NGC MS63. (2117153-031) Uncirculated.

Immediately after his election on 12 July 1691, Innocent XII declared his opposition to the nepotism which had afflicted the reigns of previous popes. The following year he issued a papal bull banning the curial office of the Cardinal-Nephew and prohibiting popes from bestowing estates, offices, or revenues on any relative. He also introduced various reforms into the States of the Church and restored public monuments. The octagonal fountain of Santa Maria in Trastevere, which already appears in a map of 1472, was restored by Carlo Fontana by order of Pope Innocent XII.