Sale: Triton VII, Lot: 1179. Estimate $3000.  Closing Date: Monday, 12 January 2004.  Sold For $3500. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

ITALY, Naples. Charles V. 1516-1556. AV Doppio (6.73 gm). CAROLVS V ROMA IMP, radiate, draped, and cuirassed bust right; IBR monogram behind / 'MAGNA OPERA DOMI', a woman (Peace?) walking left, holding a cornucopiae and setting alight a pile of books. Panutti 5A; CNI XIX pg. 290-2, 33/18; Friedberg 831. Good VF. ($3000)

The reverse of this coin celebrates a happy conclusion to a series of disorganised revolts culminating in the serious uprising of 1547 in response to the attempt made by the Viceroy Don Pedro de Toledo to introduce heavy taxation and the Spanish Inquisition into the kingdom of Naples. Though quelled by force, dissension remained, and a Neapolitan embassy was sent to plead with the emperor to intervene. In exchange for 100,000 ducats, Charles V formally undertook to never allow The Office of the Holy Inquisition to be introduced again.