Interesting Papal Coins of the Baroque
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1 Innocent XI undated Half Piastre M53An interesting obverse type featuring a completely unsymmetrical 3/4 view of the pope's arms. The lion and eagle are remarkably lifelike, quite unusual for elements of coats of arms, and both appear to be ready to leave the coin. The eagle seems particularly interested in testing his wings, perhaps having noticed the lion is watching him with a lean and hungry look.
The reverse translates to "to the greedy it shall not be given." A number of the reformed coins of this pope featured legends encouraging charity. stlnats
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2 Alexander VII 1690 Testone M16A coin of this type was one of my first papal acquisitions and hooked me on this interesting series. The oxen on the reverse exude power and one can almost see their muscles move as they pull the plow along. The reverse legend translates "restored supply of grain." stlnats
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3 Innocent XII 1693 Half Piastre M 34An interesting half piastre featuring a pelican as a symbol of self sacrifice. Early church fathers believed the blood on the bird was result of the pelican pecking her own breast to feed her young, as shown on the reverse. Combined with the inspirational legend "not for self, but for others" this was an obvious reference to Christ as model for believers to follow. Lovely and powerful sentiment, but unfortunately the blood is actually the result of captured fish which the pelican had broken up to feed to her chicks. Still, powerful imagery and a great example of the minters art at the end of the 17th century. stlnats
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4 Innocent XII 1699 Half Piastre M 28An amazingly frank portrait of this elderly and ailing pope who died the next year. The reverse features Noah's ark landing on Mt Ararat with water gushing out from below as it makes landfall. The reverse translates " His place is made in peace" and is an abbreviation of Ps 75:5.stlnats
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