$8,539.00 USD
The 1766 Naples & Sicily 6 Ducats was issued during the early reign of the Bourbon monarch Ferdinand IV, who became king in 1759 at just eight years old when his father Charles III departed to assume the Spanish throne. The young king was only 15 years old when this coin was minted in 1766.
The Kingdom of Naples & Sicily's coinage during this period reflected its regained autonomy under Spanish Bourbon influence, representing a restoration of stability after earlier Habsburg rule and conflicts. The monetary system used the ducato as the gold currency unit.
Despite being denominated as a "6 Ducat" piece, the coin's gold content was only about 2½ ducats worth, indicating it was a fiduciary coin likely intended for presentation or large transactions rather than typical circulation. The coin contains 8.798 grams of .906 fine gold (approximately 0.2563 troy ounces), giving it a current melt value of about $850 at today's gold price.
This MS65+ example represents an elite survivor that stands out even among other uncirculated specimens. The jump from lower Mint State grades (MS61-64) to true gem quality (MS65+) represents a significant difference in both appearance and rarity.
Physical characteristics include:
· Size: 27-28mm diameter
· Weight: 8.798g
· Fineness: .906 gold
· Actual Gold Weight: 0.2563 troy oz
The obverse features the youthful bust of Ferdinand IV facing right, depicted as a boy king with a ribbon in his hair. The Latin legend reads "FERDINAN. IV D. G. SICILIAR. ET HIER. REX" (Ferdinand IV, by the Grace of God, King of the Sicilies and Jerusalem).
The reverse displays the crowned coat-of-arms of the Kingdom of Naples and Sicily, with the legend "HISPANIAR. INFANS." (Infant of Spain) and the date. Below the arms is the value "D.–6." for 6 Ducati.
The 6 Ducats series was only struck from 1760-1767, making this a short-lived issue with historical significance representing Ferdinand IV's early reign.
