Classical Numismatic Group, LLC
Triton XXIII 14-15 Jan 2020
View prices realized
► Sale information
Find similar lots
ITALY, Ferrara (ducato). Ercole I d'Este. 1471-1505. AR Quarto – Testone (28mm, 8.91 g, 2h). HERCVLES • DUX • FERRARIAE • II •, head left / Classical horseman riding right, with flowing cloak and extended right hand. Grierson, Coins of Medieval Europe 402; CNI X 33; Bellesia, Ferrara 19/D; MIR 254; Biaggi 771. Toned. EF. Very rare.
From the Richard A. Jourdan Collection of Medieval European Coins. Ex Triton XX (10 January 2017), lot 1243; Münzen und Medaillen AG 50 (27 February 1975), lot 666.
The Testone was introduced in 1474 in Milan and by the end of the century the denomination was established in most of Italy. Inspired by the progress in medallic art under the likes of Pisanello the great Italian families of the Renaissance introduced realistic portraiture to the coinage. Here we have a splendid effigy of Ercole I d'Este combined with the great equestrian statue of Francesco Sforza. This was modelled after Leonardo da Vinci's statue at the Sforza Castello in Milan.
From the Richard A. Jourdan Collection of Medieval European Coins. Ex Triton XX (10 January 2017), lot 1243; Münzen und Medaillen AG 50 (27 February 1975), lot 666.
The Testone was introduced in 1474 in Milan and by the end of the century the denomination was established in most of Italy. Inspired by the progress in medallic art under the likes of Pisanello the great Italian families of the Renaissance introduced realistic portraiture to the coinage. Here we have a splendid effigy of Ercole I d'Este combined with the great equestrian statue of Francesco Sforza. This was modelled after Leonardo da Vinci's statue at the Sforza Castello in Milan.