1807 Lucca and Piombino Silver 5 Franchi – Felix & Elisa Bonaparte

1807 Principality of Lucca and Piombino Silver 5 Franchi – Felix & Elisa Bonaparte

This is a fascinating Napoleonic-era silver crown from the short-lived Principality of Lucca and Piombino, featuring the conjoined portraits of Elisa Bonaparte (Napoleon’s sister) and her husband Felix Baciocchi.

Key Details:

•  Issuer: Principality of Lucca and Piombino (Italian States)

•  Rulers: Princess Elisa Bonaparte & Prince Felix Baciocchi (1805–1814)

•  Portrait Type: Conjoined busts right – Elisa diademed and draped, Felix bare-headed

•  Catalog References: KM#24.3, Dav#203 (others may apply)

•  Composition: .900 silver

•  Weight: Approx. 24.84–25 grams

•  Diameter: 37 mm

•  Mintage: Approximately 170,000–220,000 for the 1807 date (scarce in higher grades)

•  Obverse: FELICE ED ELISA PP. DI LUCCA E PIOMBINO. – Conjoined portraits of Felix and Elisa facing right

•  Reverse: PRINCIPATO DI LUCCA E PIOMBINO / 5 / FRANCHI / 1807. within a laurel wreath

This coin was struck during the height of the Napoleonic Empire, when Napoleon installed his sister Elisa as ruler of the newly created Principality of Lucca and Piombino in 1805. It reflects the French influence on Italian coinage of the period, using the franc denomination and featuring imperial family portraits. These larger silver pieces served as both currency and political propaganda in the region.

This raw example shows attractive light toning, some circulation marks and a possible light cleaning consistent with its age, and good overall detail for the type. An excellent addition for collectors of Napoleonic, Italian States, or world crowns.

Coin pictured is the exact one you will receive.