26 Centuries of Gold
1447-55 Pope Nicholas V

Owner Comments:

Pope Nicholas V was the pope when Constantinople finally fell to the Turks in 1453. He settled disputes between Spain and Portugal over the Canary Islands and other bits turning up during this nascent age of exploration. Portugal was just beginning to feel its way around and down the west coast of Africa. Nicholas said he had more happiness in one hour of being a librarian before his Popehood, where he had less happiness in one year.

NICOLAVS • | • PP • QVIИTVS •, Papal arms in quadrilobe / • + • S • PETRVS • | • ALMA • ROMA •, St. Peter standing holding a key and the gospels within a quadrilobe.

There are 11 of these in all grades including this coin at NGC, and 7 more at PCGS.