MALTA, Order of Knights of the Hospital of St. John of Jerusalem (Knights of Malta). Jean l'Evesque de la Cassière. Grandmaster, 1572-1581. AV Zecchino (21mm, 3.41 g, 4h). Valletta mint.

CNG Feature Auction 115
Lot: 918. Estimated: $ 1 500

World, Gold

Sold For $ 3 750. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

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MALTA, Order of Knights of the Hospital of St. John of Jerusalem (Knights of Malta). Jean l'Evesque de la Cassière. Grandmaster, 1572-1581. AV Zecchino (21mm, 3.41 g, 4h). Valletta mint. St. Mark standing right and Grandmaster kneeling left, holding banner between them / Christ standing facing within mandorla containing nine stars. Gatt 08-1Z-01X01; Restelli & Sammut 1; Schembri 1; Friedberg 7. Toned, edge scuff. Good VF.

From the El Medina Collection. Ex Classical Numismatic Group 36 (5 December 1995), lot 1001.

Recognized for his personal bravery at the Battle of Zoara, the reign of Jean l'Evesque de la Cassière was beset with numerous disputes that humiliated the Order and created resentment among the Knights toward him. An argument with the Bishop of Malta over ecclesiastical jurisdiction resulted in an appeal to Pope Gregory XIII and the appointment of a Grand Inquisitor. This final action created deep resentment among the Knights, since the emperor Charles V had granted them virtual sovereignty when they took possession of the island. In 1575, the second conflict involved the seizure of a Venetian ship carrying Jewish goods. Outraged, Venice threatened to retaliate by confiscating all the Order’s property that was on Venetian property. The Pope was again asked to intervene and la Cassière was forced to make full restitution. Again the Knights resented this outcome, especially in favor of non-Christians. Finally, when Spain’s Philip II used his influence to appoint his 17-year-old nephew to the Grand Priory of Castile and Leon. The Castilian knights openly rebelled, but as with the previous two conflicts, the Order was humiliated. Seeing la Cassière as the source of all the problems, a mutiny broke out. He was removed and the former Grand Prior of Toulouse, Mathurin Romegas was appoint in his place. Both men were summoned to Rome to appeal to the Pope. Although la Cassière was eventually acquitted, he died a broken man.

The final winners of all CNG Feature Auction 115 lots will be determined during the live online sale that will be held on 16-17 September 2020. This lot is in Session 3, which begins 17 September 2020 at 9 AM ET.

Winning bids are subject to a 20% buyer's fee for bids placed on this website and 22.50% for all others.

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