Messerano (1525) testone

Sincona sale 83, lot 4519

This specimen was lot 4519 in Sincona sale 83 (Zurich, May 2023), where it sold for 1,900 CHF (about US$2,543 including buyer's fees). The catalog description^[1] noted, "ITALY Messerano, Ludovico II. e Pier Luca Fieschi, 1521-1528. Testone o. J. (um 1525), Messerano. Einköpfiger Adler nach links. (Krone) . LVD . ~7 . P. LVCAS . FLISC . LAVA . CO . M . D. . Rv. Heiliger Theonestus mit Banner zu Pferd nach rechts. + ' SANTVS ' TEONETS(sic.)VS ' MAR ' . Selten. Vorzüglich (Messerano, Louis II and Peter Lucas Fieschi, 1521-28, undated testone, circa 1525, Messerano mint. Single headed eagle to left; reverse: St. Theonestus with banner rides right. Rare, Extremely fine. Exemplar aus SINCONA AG, Zürich, Auktion 23, Lot 2838." The Fieschi were a family which produced numerous high ranking churchmen, including several cardinals and a pope (Adrian V, 1276). This particular pair are obscure. Messerano is on the Milanese side of the border between Savoy/Sardinia and Milan.

Recorded mintage: unknown.

Specification: silver, this specimen is 8.68 g.

Catalog reference: MIR (Piemonte) 681.

Source:

• ^[1]Richter, Jurg, SINCONA Auction 83, World and Swiss Coins and Medals, Zurich: SINCONA AG, 2023.

Link to:

• Carmagnola (1504-28) testone
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• Desana (1516-29) testone Pietro Berard
• Milan (1520) testone Francis I of France
• Desana (1525-33) testone Giovanni Bartolomeo Tizzone
• Messerano (1528-48) cornuto, Pier Luca Fieschi
• Messerano (1528-32) testone
• (1528-48) testone, eagle obverse/St. Theonestus
• Coins and currency dated 1525