Banco di S. Spirito

The Banco di S. Spirito in Rome issued paper money of various denominations on 7 January 1786. The banknotes bear the seal of Pius VI, who was pope from 1775 to 1799. During his reign the infrastructure around Rome benefited from the riches of the papal state. The Pontine Marshes were drained and the harbor of Porto d'Anzio was deepened. Later, after having been conquered by Napoleon, Pius had to hand over many art treasures and pay an indemnity of 150 million francs as well. Following the French occupation of Rome, Pius was forced to leave the city, and he died in exile.