Piedmontese Mezzo Scudo

The Piedmontese Mezzo Scudo was often restruck from older silver coins, a practical measure during the region's frequent wars to stretch limited resources.

This half-scudo piece, valued at about 3.5 lire, circulated in Piedmont from the early 18th century through to 1814 under the Savoyard rulers. Its obverse typically bore the portrait of the current duke, while the reverse featured the Savoy cross or a coat of arms. Mintage varied by year, but records for many issues were lost in various conflicts, so exact figures remain murky. Weighing around 14 grams of silver, it was designed for both local trade and international exchange, reflecting Piedmont's position as a crossroads in Europe.

What surprises me after thirty years is how these coins turn up in odd places, like old attics or riverbeds. One might say they've seen more of the world than I have.