Lot 725
Italian States -- Milan. Doppio Ducato, ND (1481). Fr-693 var.; Crippa-1; cf. Gnecchi Coll. no. 2808. 6.97 grams. Giovanni Galeazzo Maria Sforza, 1476-1494. Youthful armored bust right, wearing cap; IO'G3'M'SF'VICE - COS'DVX'MILI'SXT'. Reverse: Elaborately plumed helmets over quartered shield of arms; PP'ANGLE - Q3'COS'7C'. Boldy struck up on a full or broad flan, and softly lustrous, with slight reddish toning. Extremely rare. Truly elegant numismatic art of the early Renaissance. NGC graded MS-64.
The Sforzas of Milan were as ambitious and corrupt as any princely family could be. Giovanni ascended to the throne at age seven, after the assassination of his father. His uncle, Ludovico Sforza, ruled as regent, and took all the power away from young Giovanni (also know as Gian). When he died in 1494, it was believed by many that Uncle Ludovico poisoned him.
Estimated Value $15,000 - 20,000.
Illustrated in Money of The World, p. 151, coin plate #94.
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| Realized $34,500 |
