Milan (1535-56) 1/2 testone
This specimen was lot 33251 in Heritage sale 3094 (Chicago, August 2021), where it sold for $4,800. The catalog description[1] noted, "Italy: Milan. Charles V 16 Soldi 6 Denari (1/2 Testone) ND (1535-1556) VF25 NGC. • IMP • CAES • CAROLVS • V • AVG • •, laureate and cuirassed bust right / OB/INSVB/RIAM/SERVΛ/TΛM (on account of the land of the Insubres [Lombardia] having been saved) in five lines within oak wreath. A truly enigmatic piece reminiscent of earlier Roman Imperial issues in both bust style and legend, encountered at auction once every decade or so; the last of the type we've been able to locate sold in 2013, hammering at $8,000. This specimen, depicting Holy Roman Emperor Charles V with laurel wreath and cuirass is imbued with a pleasing dove and ash-gray patina blanketing moderately and honestly worn features. This specimen should be of particular interest, having been absent from many major collections offered in recent memory, and correspondingly worthy of premium bids." The French invasion of 1499 touched off a multisided war that ended in the 1550's with the Hapsburgs dominating Italy. The type shown here was struck for the emperor Charles V, who ousted the French from Milan in the 1520's. On his abdication, the duchy passed to his son Philip, who added it to the Spanish dominions.
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: silver, this specimen 5.68 g.
Catalog reference: CNI-V.63, Crippa-14 var. (reverse legend without pellets).
- [1]Cristiano Bierrenbach, Warren Tucker and Sam Spiegel, ANA WFOM World & Ancient Coins Platinum Night Signature Auction #3094, featuring the Cape Coral Collection, the WTR Collection and the Monaco Collection, Dallas, TX: Heritage Auction Galleries, 2021.
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