$32,603.00 USD
This 1839 Sovrano was issued under Ferdinand I of Austria for the Kingdom of Lombardy-Venetia, an Austrian-ruled state comprising parts of modern-day northern Italy. As a gold trade coin struck to high standards of weight and purity, the Sovrano symbolized both monetary order and imperial influence during the Habsburg administration of the Italian provinces.
Obverse: Inscribed “FERD. I. D. AVSTR. IMP. HVNG. BOH. REX A.A. 1839”, it shows a right-facing laureate head of Emperor Ferdinand I, styled in classical Roman form to convey legitimacy and continuity. The sharp relief and clean legends of this MS64 specimen underscore its unusually crisp strike and excellent die state.
Reverse: The reverse legend “GAL. LOD. ILL. REX A.A. 1839” encircles the crowned double-headed Habsburg eagle, bearing a shield of Lombardy-Venetia. The heraldic design and title reflect Ferdinand’s status as King of Galicia, Lodomeria, and Illyria, symbolizing his far-reaching territorial claims within the Austrian Empire.
This example, graded NGC MS64, represents near-gem quality with minimal contact and strong luster. The KM C-21.1 and Fr-482 reference numbers identify it as part of the standard gold coinage series of the Austrian-controlled Italian states. The Gigante catalog lists it under entry #8, affirming its importance in Italian numismatic typology.
The Finest Known! An exceptionally rare, beautiful issue!
