Stack's Bowers & Ponterio
January 2019 NYINC Auction 11-12 Jan 2019
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ITALY. Milan. Zecchino with Biscione Civic Countermark, ND. EXTREMELY FINE.
3.46 gms. CNI-Not listed; Crippa-Not listed; MIR-Not listed. VERY RARE. Biscione (crowned serpent devouring man or child) countermark within oval indent. Host coin is an Alvise Contarini Zecchino (ca. 1676-1684). When the Visconti family rose to power during the 11th century the Biscione served as their crest. When the Visconti family died in the 15th century the emblem retained its association with Milan and became part of the arms of the house of Sforza. An interesting piece which we were only able to locate less than a handful of examples listed as follows:
3.46 gms. CNI-Not listed; Crippa-Not listed; MIR-Not listed. VERY RARE. Biscione (crowned serpent devouring man or child) countermark within oval indent. Host coin is an Alvise Contarini Zecchino (ca. 1676-1684). When the Visconti family rose to power during the 11th century the Biscione served as their crest. When the Visconti family died in the 15th century the emblem retained its association with Milan and became part of the arms of the house of Sforza. An interesting piece which we were only able to locate less than a handful of examples listed as follows:
Classical Numismatic Group (CNG) Auction # 100 October 7, 2015 Lot # 783 "The Dr. Lawrence A. Adams" Collection Ex: UBS Auction # 79 September 10, 2008 Lot # 4191
Inasta Auction # 47 December 8, 2012 Lot # 1280
Stack's Auction January 11, 2010 Lot # 897; Ex: Stack's Auction January 14, 2008 Lot # 2989
Note: This example was on a Hungarian Goldgulden of Sigismund I (1387-1437).
Certainly a series which deserves further in depth research from the specialist of Milanese numismatics. Countermark well applied with excellent detail. Light tone amongst the devices and protected areas.
Countermark Almost Uncirculated; Host coin
Estimate: $1200.00- $1600.00