A Singular Masterpiece of Faith and Craftsmanship

1748 Papal States Gold Zecchino – Benedict XIV – PCGS MS61
The only certified example by PCGS – a historic coin of exceptional rarity and spiritual depth

■ Overview

This exquisite 1748 gold Zecchino, struck under Pope Benedict XIV in the Papal States, is an extraordinary union of Catholic theology, Baroque artistry, and historical significance. Certified MS61 by PCGS and currently the only example recorded by the institution, this coin is a unique numismatic treasure — both a devotional object and a political statement from the Enlightenment-era papacy.

■ Design

Obverse:
A female allegory of the Holy Church, seated on clouds, holding the keys of Peter and a model of a basilica — symbolic of ecclesiastical authority.
Inscription: BENED·XIV P·M· A·IX 1748
(“Benedict XIV, Supreme Pontiff, Year 9, 1748”)

Reverse:
The papal coat of arms of Benedict XIV beneath the Holy Spirit as a dove, radiating divine light.
Inscription: REPENTE DE CŒLO
(“Suddenly from Heaven”) — a phrase drawn from the Acts of the Apostles, referring to the descent of the Holy Spirit.

Together, the imagery and inscriptions reflect the Church’s sacred renewal under divine guidance, marking the approach of the Holy Year (Jubilee) of 1750. This coin was struck not merely as currency, but as a theological message in gold — a rare expression of ecclesiastical art.

■ Grade

PCGS Certified: MS61
View Certification

• PCGS Population: 1 (this coin only)

• NGC Population: 11

• Total Certified Worldwide: Just 12 examples

• PCGS Rank: Highest certified example of its type

■ Coin Details

• Year: 1748

• Issuer: Papal States (Rome)

• Pope: Benedict XIV

• Denomination: 1 Zecchino

• Metal: Gold (99.9% purity)

• Weight: Approx. 3.4 g

• Diameter: Approx. 22 mm

• Mint: Rome

• Grading Agency: PCGS

• Grade: MS61 (Mint State)

■ Rarity

This coin is a numismatic anomaly of the highest order:

• Only one certified example at PCGS

• Only twelve total examples certified globally

• Of those, only a handful are Mint State (MS)

Zecchino coins were not issued for public circulation, but rather minted in limited numbers for religious ceremonies, papal diplomacy, and special occasions.
The survival of this coin — untouched by wear and preserved in MS condition — is a near-miraculous outcome given the fragility of high-purity gold and the passage of nearly three centuries.

■ Preservation & Artistic Detail

High-purity gold (99.9%) is notoriously soft and prone to wear, making Mint State examples exceptionally rare. Yet its chemical stability allows well-preserved examples to retain sharp detail and original luster for centuries.

This piece is remarkable for its:

• Crisp, bold strike

• Well-preserved fields and legends

• Sharp rendering of the papal insignia, dove, rays of light, and drapery folds

Every aspect of the design — from the Holy Church’s flowing robes to the descending Holy Spirit — reflects the refined religious iconography of Baroque Rome. The coin is not only a monetary object, but also a miniature liturgical sculpture, intended to proclaim both spiritual authority and papal grandeur.

■ Historical Significance

Struck during the 9th year of Benedict XIV’s pontificate, this coin marks a period of enlightened papal leadership. Known for his intelligence, tolerance, and reformist ideals, Benedict XIV was a pope who embraced both tradition and modernization — and his coinage reflects this dual identity.

The Latin inscription REPENTE DE CŒLO ("Suddenly from Heaven") refers to the Pentecostal moment of divine intervention and renewal. Paired with the allegorical figure of the Church, it articulates a vision of Holy Spirit–led rejuvenation, anticipating the 1750 Jubilee Year — a moment of spiritual rebirth for the Catholic world.

This Zecchino is not only a financial instrument, but a public declaration of faith, a celebration of sacred continuity, and a symbol of Rome’s global spiritual leadership.

■ Market Appeal

In today’s market, coins like this represent the convergence of:

• Religious symbolism

• Fine Baroque art

• Provenance and preservation

• Institutional-grade certification

High-grade Papal coins with explicit liturgical or theological references are rarely seen at public auction, especially when certified as MS by PCGS or NGC. This coin’s unique status as the sole PCGS-certified example further sets it apart.

Collectors of:

• Papal history

• Baroque art in coinage

• European ecclesiastical numismatics
  will recognize this coin as a cornerstone of any serious collection.

Additionally, investors in tangible cultural heritage assets have increasingly turned to coins with clear historical context and museum-quality preservation. This piece qualifies on all fronts.

■ Final Remarks

This 1748 Zecchino of Pope Benedict XIV is a numismatic masterpiece — a coin that speaks of faith, power, and artistic excellence.
Its singular rarity (PCGS population: 1), exceptional condition (MS61), and deeply meaningful design make it a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for acquisition.

Whether you are:

• A historian of the Catholic Church

• A collector of papal artifacts

• A connoisseur of European religious art

• Or an investor in rare, culturally significant gold

This coin will enrich your collection and preserve its legacy for generations.