Milan (1466-76) teston
This specimen was lot 3992 in Stack's-Bowers NYINC sale (New York, January 2015), where it sold for $246.75. The catalog description[1] noted, "ITALY. Milan. Teston, ND (1466-76). NGC VF-30. Dark toned. Nice details and legends. From the Collection of Dr. Richard Aghababian." This type was struck by Galeazzo Maria Sforza prior to the French occupation of Milan. The French invasion of Italy was the beginning of the end of the Renaissance as the devastation of the resulting war terminated Italian prosperity. The teston, a half dollar size coin, was the first large coin issued as Italy emerged from the Middle Ages and the increased volume of trade demanded larger coins. In the sixteenth century, the German thaler, struck on a press, would supersede the teston.
Recorded mintage: Unknown.
Specification: silver.
Catalog reference: Biaggi-1548.
- [1]Ponterio, Richard, The January 2015 NYINC Auction: Ancient Coins, World Coins & Paper Money, Featuring the John W. Adams and Ray Czabor Collections, Irvine, CA: Stack's Bowers LLC, 2014.
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