Sale: Triton XIII, Lot: 1844. Estimate $100.  Closing Date: Monday, 4 January 2010.  Sold For $60. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

ITALY, Castro. Pierluigi Farnese. Duke, 1545-1547. AR Baiocchetto (0.30 g). · P ALO F · · DVX CΛ, crowned coat-of-arms / SANINVS SABINVS, half-length bust of St. Sabinus facing, raising hand in benediction and holding crozier. CNI XIV -; Morosini -. VF.

From the Leonard O. Greenfield Collection.

The illegitimate son of Cardinal Alessandro Farnese (later Pope Paul III), Pierluigi Farnese owed most of his titles and offices to his father’s position. Upon becoming Pope, Paul made Pierluigi Duke of Parma, Piacenza, and Castro, as well as Captain General of the Church. His scandalous and ruthless reputation, however, led to his assassination by various Counts and Marquises.