Mantua (1484-1519) 2 sesini
This specimen was lot 2628 in Sincona sale 87 (Zürich, October 2023), where it sold for 800 CHF (about US$1,077 including buyer's fees). The catalog description[1] noted,
"ITALIEN Mantua, Francesco II. Gonzaga 1484-1519. Doppio Sesino o. J., Mantova. FR MAR MANTVE IIII Geharnischte Büste von Francesco II Gonzaga nach links. Rv. XPI IHESV SANGVINIS / MANT Weibliche Figur sitzt links auf Harnisch und Schild und hält in der rechten Hand eine Pyxis. Selten, besonders in dieser Erhaltung. Vorzüglich. Aus der Sammlung Dr. A. Voirol (1884-1967). (Italy, duchy of Mantua, Francis II Gonzaga, 1484-1519, undated double sesino, Mantua mint. Obverse: armored bust of the duke to left; reverse: a woman sits facing left, on trophies of war, and holds out a pyx. Rare, especially in this condition, Extremely fine.)"
In Mantua, one lira = twenty soldi = forty sesini. This double sesino was a low value coin and the other examples we see are crudely struck and appear to be pure copper. This example realized its exalted price because of its good strike and nice color. The Gonzagas ruled Mantua until 1708.
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: 0.75-1.75 g, billon, 18-18.5 mm diameter, this specimen 0.94 g.
Catalog reference: MIR 428. Biaggi 1163.
- Grierson, Philip, Coins of Medieval Europe, London: B. A. Seaby Ltd., 1991.
- [1]Richter, Jürg, SINCONA Auction 87, World Coins and Medals, Zürich: SINCONA AG, 2023.
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