Duchy of Parma

The Duchy of Parma dates back to the 16th century. It was occupied by France in 1796 and later annexed in 1808. After Napoleon was deposed for the second time in 1815, the the victorious allied powers appointed Marie Louisa Duchess of Parma and Piacenza — a land-locked duchy in northwestern Italy.

Marie Louisa was Napoleon’s second wife and Empress of France. Ironically, she was the niece of Marie-Antoinette, the beheaded queen of the French Revolution that brought Napoleon to power.

Marie Louisa was not permitted to bring her son (Napoleon’s heir) and her title was not hereditary. Though made Duchess in 1815, she did not arrive there until April 1816. Most of the coins bearing her effigy, dated 1815, beat her there.