Papacy

Sede Vacante, 1523

Cf. Muntoni 4; Berman 816, PCGS graded AU-53

Rome. SEDE VA-CANTE, canopy and crossed keys over shield. Reverse: S PAVLVS S PETRVS, SS Peter and Paul standing facing; ROMA below.

This coin was struck during the vacancy of the Throne of St. Peter between October 1 and November 10, 1523. The conclave of the College of Cardinals assembled during this period is considered to have been the last of the Renaissance. The papal election was heavily influenced by King Francis I of France and the Holy Roman Emperor Charles V, who had been at war with each other over control of Italy since 1521. After much politicking, the pro-Imperial Giulio de’ Medici was elected as Pope Clement VII.