Milan (1447-50) grosso
This specimen was lot 988 in Jean Elsen sale 146 (Brussels, November 2020), where it sold for €70 (about US$102 including buyer's fees). The catalog description[1] noted,
"ITALIE, MILAN, Deuxième République (Repubblica Ambrosiana) (1447-1450), AR grosso. D/ + COMVNITAS MEDIOLANI Croix. R/ S AMBROSIV'- MEDIOLANI Saint Ambroise trônant de f. Très Beau. (Italy, Milan, Ambrosian Republic, 1447-50, silver groat. Obverse: cross; reverse: St. Ambrose enthroned, facing. Very Fine.)"
A grosso was two soldi or four denari.
Wikipedia comments, "The Golden Ambrosian Republic (Italian: Aurea Repubblica Ambrosiana; Lombard: Aurea Republega Ambrosiana; 1447–1450) was a short-lived government founded in Milan by members of the University of Pavia with popular support, during the first phase of the Milanese War of Succession. With the aid of Francesco Sforza they held out against the forces of the Republic of Venice, but after a betrayal Sforza defected and captured Milan to become Duke himself, abolishing the Republic."
Recorded Mintage: unknown.
Specification: silver, this specimen 2,13 g.
Catalog reference: Crippa 2; CNI V, 143, 11 var.; Biaggi 1515.
- [1]Elsen, Philippe, et al., Vente Publique 146: Collection Anthony Lorrain Monnaies de Metz, Brussels: Jean Elsen et ses Fils S.A., 2020.
Link to:
- Milan (1412-47) grosso issued by the Visconti
- Milan (1450-66) grosso, Francesco Sforza
- Milan (1466-76) grosso issued by Galeazzo Maria Sforza
- Coins and currency dated 1447