Ferrara (1542) bianco
This specimen was lot 995 in CNG sale Triton XXVII (New York, January 2024), where it sold for $857.50. The catalog description[1] noted, "ITALY, Ferrara (Duchy). Ercole II d'Este. 1534-1559. AR Bianco. Second emission, struck 1542. Draped and cuirassed bust left / Justitia seated right, holding inverted ax and scales. Toned. VF. From the J. Eric Engstrom Collection. Ex Glendining’s (15 October 1985), lot 520." We're not sure what this coin traded for; it may have been one eighth of a scudo. In the Papal States, the bianco was half a lira. In 1542, the duke was 34 years of age. The reverse legend, "DILIGITE · IVST · QVI · IVDICATIS · TERRAM ·", translates to, "Love the righteous who judge the earth."
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: 4.9 g, silver, this specimen 28 mm diameter, 5.07 g, 5 h axis.
Catalog reference: Belessia 10/C; MIR 296.
- [1]Gasvoda, Michael, Victor England, Eric McFadden, Dave Michaels, Bill Dalzell and Lance Hickman, Triton XXVII, Lancaster, PA: Classical Numismatic Group, LLC, 2023.
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