Mirandola (1617-37) fiorino KM-36
This specimen was lot 42428 in Stack's Bowers ANA sale (Chicago, August 2024), where it sold for $8,400. The catalog description[1] noted, "ITALY. Mirandola. Fiorino, ND (ca. 1617-37). Alessandro I Pico. NGC MS-65. The only certified example of the type on either the NGC or PCGS population reports. This magnificent example boasts crisp design features with lustrous surfaces that displays a lovely light dove gray tone. When tilted in the light the intricate design elements are complemented by flashy luster with a slight iridescent sheen. Far and away nicer than normally encountered for this series and objectively superior to all other examples this cataloger was able to locate. A real treat for the quality conscious collector of Italian states or trade coinage and is destined for a fine cabinet of the highest caliber." This denomination was struck in multiple types (KM 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41) during the duke's reign. The obverse legend, "ALEX ·DVX·MI RI·MAR·CONCOR *III*", identifies this as KM 36. KM 38 is the most common but all are scarce. This is the plate specimen in the SCWC. Alessandro was promoted to duke by the emperor in 1617. His son, Alessandro II, issued a ducatone (Dav-4020) whereupon the coinage ceased. The last duke fell foul of the emperor in 1708 and was forced to sell out to the d'Estes of Modena.
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: 4.6 g, silver, 29-31 mm diameter, this specimen 4.80 g.
Catalog reference: KM 36, MIR-549; Gamberini-664.
- Cuhaj, George S., and Thomas Michael, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1601-1700, 6th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2014.
- [1]Orsini, Matt, Kyle Ponterio and Jeremy Bostwick, August 2024 Global Showcase Auction, World & Ancient Coins, featuring The Emilio M. Ortiz Collection, The Richard Margolis Collection and The Rutherford Collection, Costa Mesa, CA: Stack's Bowers Galleries, Inc., 2024.
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