Messerano (1584-1626) 1/4 tallero KM-MB125
This specimen was lot 1937 in Jean Elsen sale 155 (Brussels, June 2023), where it sold for €260 (about US$341 including buyer's fees). The catalog description[1] noted,
"ITALIE, MESSERANO, Francesco Filiberto Ferrero Fieschi (1584-1626), AR quart de tallero, s.d. D/ B. cuir. à d., ten. la garde de son épée. R/ Aigle bicéphale éployée et couronnée, avec un écu ovale sur la poitrine. Rare. Griffes. Patine foncée. Très Beau. (Italy, Messerano, Francis Philibert Fieschi, 1584-1626, undated silver quarter tallero. Obverse: armored bust right, grasping the hilt of a sword; reverse: crowned two headed eagle displayed with oval arms on its breast. Rare, scratches, nice patina, Very Fine.)"
Messerano is on the Milanese side of the border between Savoy/Sardinia and Milan. The marquis sold his domain to Sardinia in 1767. The marquis made several issues of this denomination, including KM MB125 (shown here), MB127 and MB129. This one is marked "(G21)" on the reverse, indicating 21 grossi.
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: silver, 29 mm diameter, this specimen 6,12 g.
Catalog reference: KM MB125, CNI II, 342, 42; M.I.R. 774.
- Cuhaj, George S., and Thomas Michael, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1601-1700, 6th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2014.
- [1]Elsen, Philippe, et al., Vente Publique 155, Collection Marc Bar et Distinctions de Jean-Baptiste Nothomb, Brussels: Jean Elsen et ses Fils S.A., 2023.
Link to: