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Lot #208
Pope Pius VIII Letter Signed

Estimate: $300+

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Server Time: 4/21/2026 07:14:12 PM EDT
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Description

Born Francesco Xaverio Castiglione in 1761, he served as Pope from March 31, 1829, until his death on November 30, 1830, making his pontificate the shortest of all 19th-century popes. LS in Italian, signed "F. S. Card Castiglioni," one page, 7.5 x 9.5, May 7, 1823. Addressed from Rome, a letter to Reverend Mr. Costantino Battini de’ Servi, professor at the University of Pisa, in full (loosely translated): “I am grateful for the kind proof of regard which Your Most Reverend Lordship has been pleased to give me, and which has reached me through the most worthy Mr. Cavalier, by sending me your work on the Apology of the Barbarous Times. In the few passages that I have eagerly read, I have not failed to admire your great learning, and at the same time to take pleasure in seeing, supported by a masterful hand, the defense of so many worthy men unjustly maligned by prejudice. I congratulate you most heartily on this, and I shall gladly find, among the occupations of my office, a favorable time to always enjoy more fully the merits of so fine a production.” Signed at the conclusion as cardinal. In fine condition, with a small seal-related stain.

From the personal collection of a lifelong collector, teacher, and traveler with a passion for world history. His collecting years ranged from the 1970s to the present day, meaning that several of the premier pieces have not been on the market in decades.

Auction Info






This item is Pre-Certified by PSA/DNA
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