ITALY, Papal Coinage. Alexander VI (Roderic Llançol de Borja i Borja). 1492-1503. AR Grosso (25mm, 2.62 g, 11h). Ancona mint. ALEXANDER VI PONT MAX, papal arms; annulet stops / S PAVLVS S PETRVS, Ss. Paul and Peter standing facing, each holding gospels, and holding sword and key, respectively; annulet stops. CNI XV 10; Muntoni 23; Berman 538. VF, attractive toning.
Ex Luparello Collection.
Born in the Valencian town of Xàtiva and nephew of Pope Calixtus III, Alexander VI found himself in many increasingly important roles within the Church, culminating in his election to the papacy in 1492 upon the death of Innocent VIII. Fathering four children from before his time as Pope, he found many roles for them to serve, even having his daughter Lucrezia step in during his absence. He issued the bull Inter Caetera which divided newly-found territories in the Americas among Spain and Portugal by a demarcation line.
