ITALY. Papal States. Parma. Scudo dOro, ND. Paul III (1534-49). NGC AU-58.Fr-412; Berman-957; Muntoni-157. Parma was a part of the duchy of Milan in the late Middle Ages until Milan was torn apart by French invasion 1500-21. In the confusion, it was conquered by Papal forces and incorporated into the states of the Church until Paul III detached it as a fief for his illegitimate son, Pier Luigi Farnese. The Farnese family ruled Parma until its extinction in 1731. This type was issued by Paul III before Parmas separation in 1545. This example displays bright surfaces and limited wear although the centers show areas of shallow detail due to strike. Even so, seldom located finer.NGC AU-58.
