1702 Italy 1SD'OR NGC AU58

$4,481.00 USD

– SOLD

The 1702 Cagliari Gold Salut d’Or is a remarkable and rare gold coin, minted in Sardinia under the rule of the Spanish Habsburgs. As part of the Kingdom of Sardinia, Cagliari was an important political and economic center, and this coin reflects the island’s role within the vast Spanish dominions at the dawn of the 18th century.

On the obverse, the coin typically features an image of the Virgin Mary or a religious motif, as the "Salut d’Or" (meaning "Golden Salute") was named after the reverential act of salutation to the Virgin. This design was deeply symbolic in the Catholic traditions of the time, emphasizing divine protection and the legitimacy of the ruling monarchs under the guidance of the Church.

The reverse often bears the heraldic coat of arms of the Spanish Habsburgs or the ruling authorities of Sardinia, intricately detailed with crowns, lions, and castles—representing the vast and powerful empire that controlled the Mediterranean island. The legend encircling the design would proclaim the authority of the Spanish king, who at this time was Philip V, the first Bourbon ruler of Spain following the War of Spanish Succession.

Graded NGC AU58, this specimen is an exceptionally well-preserved example, retaining sharp details, a strong strike, and lustrous golden surfaces with only the slightest signs of circulation. Given the historical significance of Sardinia as a strategic Mediterranean stronghold and the rarity of early 18th-century gold coinage from Cagliari, this piece stands out as a highly desirable acquisition for collectors.

Owning this 1702 Cagliari Gold Salut d’Or means holding a piece of history from a time of dynastic struggles, religious devotion, and imperial ambition—an exquisite gold artifact from one of the most fascinating periods of European history.