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Auction: 339 - The Numismatic Collector's Series Sale at NY INC, Grand Hyatt
Lot: 235

Papal States. Avignon Papacy. Comtat Venaissin. The Antipope Clemente (Clément) VII -- Robert dei Conti del Genevois (1378-1394). Florin de 24 Sols. Avignon. Tiara adorned with pellets, flanked by crossed keys; +.CLEMENS. PP. SEPTMS. (annulet stops), rev. Crossed keys. Ber.229, Fr.32. Gregorio XI returned the papacy from Avignon to Rome in 1377. When he died in 1378, the Romans rioted to ensure that the new pope would be Italian. A Neapolitan, Bartolomeo Prignano, Archbishop of Bari, was elected as Urbano VI. Although he had a reputation for competence and conscientiousness, after his election he showed great intolerance and exploded frequently with a furious temper. Many Cardinals regretted their choice and most removed themselves from Rome to Anagni where they elected Robert of Geneva as Pope Clément VII, thus beginning the Great (Western) Schism. Robert proved to be an able politician, gaining the support of nearly the whole curia, recognition from much of Europe and the military backing of Naples. He was, though, unable to maintain himself in Italy and removed the court back to Avignon. PCGS AU 55.

Sold for
$6,500