A gold doppia stretta has more than doubled its valuation at Spink's World Coins and Commemorative Medals auction in London on October 1, achieving £125,000 ($202,679) against its £60,000 ($97,276) high estimate - an increase of 108%.
The coin dates to 1638 and originates from Genoa, Italy.
Referred to as a doppia stretta, it was likely cut from the same die as the scudo stretto - a silver coin of lower quality. It features the Madonna and child seated on a cloud, surrounded by a crown of stars. The reverse features a cross with stars at each angle.
 The coin weighs 83.36g |
Giovanni Pesce, a 20th century chronicler of Genoese coins, had read of the gold doppia stretta, as it was documented in the Avignone-Franchini collection, but doubted its existence, commenting:
"The C.N.I. describes a piece called a narrow doppia erroneously, with 1638 as date, which was taken from the Avignone-Franchini catalogue, weighing 83.30 grams and 44mm in diameter."
The fact that an established expert in the field of Genoese coins was unaware of the gold doppia is testament to its extreme rarity. This is the first time that the coin has been sold in over a century.
An Spanish Amadeo I 100 pesetas coin circa 1871 also performed well, achieving £100,000 ($162,127). A 10-scudi d'oro from Modena, Italy circa 1629-1658 achieved £78,000 ($126,459).
We have a range of rare coins available, including this doppia ducato that dates to the Renaissance era.
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