210, Lot: 406. Estimate $150. Sold for $226. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

ITALY, Papal Medals. Innocent XI (Benedetto Odescalchi). 1676-1689. Æ Medal (36mm, 27.67 g, 12h). Giovanni Hamerani, engraver. Dated 1676. INNOCENTIVS · XI · ODESCALCHVS · PON : M :, bust right, wearing camauro, mozzetta, and pallium; trefoil stops / INNOCENS MANIBVS ET MVNDO CORDE, Innocent being carried left on the sedia gestatoria. Mazio 323; Lincoln 1404. EF.

From the Luparello Collection.

Appearing to be a contender for the papacy after the death of Clement IX, Odescalchi was rejected by use of France’s veto. Following the death of Clement X, France again was to block Odescalchi from the position, but reluctantly decided to acquiesce, allowing him to become Innocent XI. A staunch reformer, he excommunicated Louis XIV of France on account of his collection of revenues from vacant sees, and later cut expenses and reformed the papal currency, thereby resulting in a balanced budget.