Mantua (1497-1519) testone
This specimen was lot 1010 in CNG sale Triton XXVII (New York, January 2024), where it sold for $22,050. The catalog description[1] noted, "ITALY, Mantova (Marquisate). Francesco II Gonzaga. 1484–1519. AR Testone. Dies by Gian Marco Cavalli. Second period, 1497-1519. Armored bust left / Crucible set in flames. An excellent example of this celebrated Renaissance coin. Richly toned. Good VF. Very rare, especially so this fine. From the J. Eric Engstrom Collection. Ex Glendining’s (15 October 1985), lot 523; ‘Late Collector’ (Sotheby, 12 June 1976), lot 74 (a collection chiefly formed in the 18th century). A close associate of the another great Mantuan artist Andrea Mantegna, Gian Marco Cavalli, was in employ of Federico Gonzaga from 1481. He was later summoned to Hall in the Tyrol to make patterns for the Holy Roman Emperor Maximilian." The Gonzaga family managed to hold onto some autonomy as dukes of Mantua until its extinction in 1707, when the duchy fell to the Austrians.
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: silver, this specimen 27 mm diameter, 9.71 g, 4 h axis.
Catalog reference: MIR 418; MEC 12. 526.
- [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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