Watch List notes:

Italian States, Mantua (Duchy). Anonymous (attributed to Federico II Gonzaga). 1519-1540. Æ quattrino (18 mm, 2.11 g, 08 h). VIRGILIVS · · MARO, laureate and draped bust of the Roman poet Vergil left / EPO and lily or leaf. CNI IV 18; Rossi 43; Bignotti 2 (Federico I). Brown patina. Very fine.

The Roman poet Virgil was born near Mantua, thus it is fitting that the city at the height of the Renaissance would adopt his portrait for use on its coinage. The meaning of the reverse legend is uncertain, and could be expanded to epicorum poetarum optimo. Other coins of the time have the reverse legend in Greek, OΛYΠOΣ.

Estimate: $100