Savoy (1343-83) obolo blanco
This specimen was lot 911 in Jean Elsen sale 162 (Brussels, June 2025), where it sold for €1,050 (about US$1,455 including buyer's fees). The catalog description[1] noted,
"ITALIE, SAVOIE, Comté, Amédée VI (1343-1383), AR obolo bianco. Maître Pierre Chatel. D/ + MED COMES SABAVDIE Grande lettre A entre quatre rosettes, dans un quadrilobe. R/ + IN ITALIA MARCHIO Écu sous une rosette, dans un quadrilobe. Très rare. (Italy, duchy of Savoy, Amadeus VI, 1343-83, silver obole, mintmaster Pierre Chatel. Obverse: large letter "A" between four rosettes within a quadrilobe; reverse: castle. Very rare, very Fine.)"
Amadeo VI was count of Savoy when the Black Death raged thru his domain, carrying off about half of his subjects. In 1366, he went on crusade against the Turks but ended up fighting the Bulgarians instead. He died in 1383, aged 49 years. The obole was generally half a denaro, itself a nearly worthless coin.
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: billon, this specimen 1,81 g.
Catalog reference: Sim. I, 6/1; M.I.R. 76a.
- [1]Elsen, Philippe, et al., Vente Publique 162: Collection Jacques Druart, Brussels: Jean Elsen et ses Fils S.A., 2025.
Link to:
- Savoy (1329-43) grosso Bianco Dozzeno, Aymon
- Savoy (1343-83) parpagliola = Grosso Bianco Escuellato, Amadeo VI
- Savoy (1343-83) florin Fr-1014
- Coins and currency dated 1343