Milan (1450-66) grosso
This specimen was lot 659 in Sincona sale 89 (Zürich, May 2024), where it sold for 1,200 CHF (about US$1,586 including buyer's fees). The catalog description[1] noted,
"ITALIEN Mailand, Francesco Sforza, 1450-1466. Grosso o. J., Milano. Vorzüglich. Überdurchschnittlich gut ausgeprägt. Exemplar der Auktion Leu 68, Zürich, Oktober 1996, Los 346. Exemplar der Sammlung Dolivo, Auktion Münzen und Medaillen AG 27, Basel, November 1963, Los 386. (Italy, Milan, Francesco Sforza, 1450-1466, undated grosso, Milan mint. Extremely fine, Extraordinarily well struck.)"
The Visconti family lapsed on the death of Filippo Maria in 1447. Attempting to preserve their independence, city leaders established the Ambrosian Republic, which was overthrown by Francesco Sforza in 1450, who made himself duke. The Sforzas ruled Milan with interruptions until 1535.
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: silver, this specimen 2.26 g.
Catalog reference: MIR 175/1. Biaggi 1526.
- [1]Richter, Jürg, SINCONA Auction 89, The Garrulus Collection of Numismatic Rarities and Masterpieces, Zürich: SINCONA AG, 2024.
Link to:
- Milan (1447-50) grosso issued by the Ambrosian Republic
- (1450-66) ducat, Francesco Sforza
- Milan (1466-76) grosso da 8 soldi, for Galeazzo Maria Sforza
- Coins and currency dated 1450