Innocent XII 1693 Mezza Piastra

Papal States: 1693 Half Piastra, Rome, Anno II of Pope Innocent XII depicting a pelican feeding its young. On the reverse, the pelican pierces its breast from which blood flows to its young. The pelican's self-sacrifice is intended to symbolize the true nature of Christian charity. Designed by engraver and medallist Peter Paul Borner. VF-XF with an unusually nice planchet and strike. Beautiful, old, grey toning, never cleaned, from a papal coin collection from the 1940s. Rare.