Genoa (1527-28)-FA testone
This specimen was lot 1954 in Jean Elsen sale 162 (Brussels, June 2025), where it sold for €3,000 (about US$4,158 including buyer's fees). The catalog description[1] noted,
"ITALIE, GÊNES, occupation française, François Ier, seconde période (1527-1528), AR teston, s.d. Sigle FA. D/ + FRANCISCVS DEI GRACIA FRA' REX Castel génois entre un F couronné et un lis. R/ + CONRADVS REX ROMANOR' FA Croix pattée. Légère double frappe au revers. Belle patine. Bel exemplaire frappé sur flan large. Très rare. Provient de la collection Clauet, vente Crédit de la Bourse, Paris, 26 avril 1993, 499. (Italy, Genoa, French occupation, Francis I, second period, undated silver testone, signed FA. Obverse: Genoese castle between a crowned "F" and a fleur-de-lys; reverse: cross pattée. Lightly double struck on the reverse. Nice patina, well struck on a large planchet, very rare, Very Fine - Extremely Fine.)"
Francis' attempts to take northern Italy were disrupted by his defeat and capture at the battle of Pavia (1526). This rare coin was issued during his second invasion during the War of the League of Cognac (1526-30) which, among other things, saw the Sack of Rome (1527) and the collapse of the republic of Florence (1530).
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: 9.3-9.9 g, silver, this specimen 9,35 g.
Catalog reference: Lunardi 183; Dupl. 951; CNI III, 233, 18.
- [1]Elsen, Philippe, et al., Vente Publique 162: Collection Jacques Druart, Brussels: Jean Elsen et ses Fils S.A., 2025.
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