Rodgrio Borgia, Author of the bull Inter caetera

409, Lot: 909. Estimate $200. Sold for $800. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

ITALY, Papale (Stato pontificio). Alexander VI. 1492-1503. PB Bulla (36.5mm, 44.84 g, 12h). Heads of Ss. Paul and Peter facing slightly right and left, respectively; between, cross surmounted by globe and set on long base / • ALE/XANDER/ • PAPA •/ • VI •. Serafini 68-69. Good VF, Attractive.

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.