ITALY. Parma & Piacenza. 6 Doppie, ND (1622-46). Odardo Farnese. PCGS Genuine--Cleaned, EF Details Gold Shield. Fr-910; cf. CNI-pl. XXIII, 12-3 (for similar type). Diameter: 45mm; Weight: 39.06 gms. Obverse: ODOARDVS FAR PAR PLA DVX, bareheaded, draped, and armored bust right, wearing elaborate collar; Reverse: PENDENT MILLE CLYPI, the Madonna seated facing, head lowered left, holding Holy Infant; above, two cherubim hover, placing crown upon her head. Struck on a rather majestic, yet somewhat crude, flan, this impressive type--a <strong>RARE </strong>piece and one of just three known--offers a pleasing golden-orange appearance that is re-toning from a prior cleaning. Despite this designation, the present specimen presents a unique opportunity to acquire an immense 17th century gold issue that is at the pinnacle of rarity. Destined to find its way to the finest of Italian or early modern gold cabinets.<p><em>Odardo, the fifth Duke of Parma, Piacenza, and Castro, was the second son of Ranuccio I and his wife, Margherita Aldobrandini. In 1628, he married Margherita de Medici, and his reign produced some of the most majestic hammered gold coins of the time. Long a point of contention between the papacy and other Northern Italian rulers, Parma passed to the House of Bourbon on the death of Francesco I Farnese in 1727, but the familys rule is well remembered through its coinage.</em> Ex: Stacks (1/2008) Lot # 3015 @ $150,000.
