Sale: CNG 63, Lot: 1863. Estimate $150.  Closing Date: Wednesday, 21 May 2003.  Sold For $170. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

ITALY, Lucca. Republic. 1369-1799. AR Scudo (26.53 gm). Dated 1744. Crowned arms in laurel sprays / St. Martin on horseback left, offering his coat to beggar. CNI XI pg. 184, 801; Davenport 1373; KM 53. Toned, nice VF. ($150)

From the Charles E. Weber Collection. 

St. Martin of Tours (circa 316-397) was the son of a Roman tribune. While stationed at Amiens he came upon a starving, half-naked begger and, on impulse, sliced his rich cloak in twain and presented half to the poor man. His cult in the Middle Ages became a focus of Christian charity, and impressive cathedrals were raised in his name across Europe. His cathedral in Lucca was begun in 1060. Luccans took him as their patron saint during their struggles to remain independent from larger, more powerful neighbors such as Florence, Parma and Pisa. Napoleon put an end to over 400 years of independence in 1799.