Milan (1264-78) ambrosino
This specimen was lot 655 in Sincona sale 89 (Zürich, May 2024), where it did not sell. The catalog description[1] noted,
"ITALIEN Mailand, Prima Repubblica, 1250-1310. Ambrosino o. J., Milano. MEDIOLANV Kreuz, in den Winkeln je ein Halbmond und ein Punkt. Rv. .SCS.AM BROSIV' Hl. Ambrosius thront von vorn mit segnender Rechten und Krummstab in der Linken. Sehr schön-vorzüglich. Exemplar der Auktion Auctiones AG 18, Basel, September 1989, Los 281. (Italy, Milan, first republic, 1250-1310, undated ambrosino, Milan mint. Obverse: a cross pattée cantonned with crescents and pellets; reverse: St. Ambrose enthroned, holding a crozier. Very fine-extremely fine.)"
The silver ambrosino was equal to ten denari or a grosso. The ambrosino was also struck in gold, which coin was intended to equal the florin or the ducat. The term "first republic" is used by numismatists to designate the period when Milan was still a commune, not yet dominated by the Visconti. It was a turbulent time, with the Visconti contending with the della Torre family, the Guelphs versus the Ghibellines and the bishop versus the city.
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: silver, this specimen 2.91 g.
Catalog reference: MIR 66/4. Biaggi 1425.
- [1]Richter, Jürg, SINCONA Auction 89, The Garrulus Collection of Numismatic Rarities and Masterpieces, Zürich: SINCONA AG, 2024.
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