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Abstract: FROM THE CORPORATIONS TO PROFESSIONAL GROUPS: NINETEENTH CENTURY JUNK DEALERS IN THE PAPAL STATE This essay will concern the history of Roman junk dealers during the first half of the nineteenth century. It is interesting to study this group because it provides evidence of transitional phase in which its identity was institutionally redefined as a group following the suppression of corporations. Therefore, the central aspect of our analysis is based on how this group positioned itself – and was positioned –in the new normative structure and how – or if – its relationship with the market and authorities changed. Although there were many elements of continuity with the tradition of the previous centuries, some significant innovations were introduced regarding the new rules, too. The relation with the Monte di Pietà changed as the intermediary role played by junk dealers was legalized. Subsequently, junk dealers were formally recognized as experts to be called upon for the evaluations of pawned objects. This was considered a professional activity which required a government permit and was issued following a test in order to ensure that a given individual was capable of carrying out this task. The test was administered by the junk dealer’s association.