ITALY, Ferrara (Duchy). Ercole I d'Este. 1471-1505. AR Idra – Doppio grossone (27mm, 7.64 g, 6h). Third emission, struck 1493. Good VF.

Triton XXVII
Lot: 988. Estimated: $ 4 000

The J. Eric Engstrom Collection: Italy, Coin-in-Hand Video, Silver

Sold For $ 6 750. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

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ITALY, Ferrara (Duchy). Ercole I d'Este. 1471-1505. AR Idra – Doppio grossone (27mm, 7.64 g, 6h). Third emission, struck 1493. Bare head right / Seven-headed Hydra. Belessia 14/C; MIR 255. Richly toned. Good VF. Rare. A most pleasing example of this wonderful type.

From the J. Eric Engstrom Collection, purchased from C. Subak, February 1985.

This reverse alludes to the construction of the Addizione Erculea, a northern suburb of Ferrara. The area to be developed was covered with malaria-ridden swamps which had to be drained and filled before construction could begin. To symbolize this monumental task, Ercole chose a scene from the exploits of his namesake, Hercules, who slayed the seven-headed Lernean Hydra in the second of his Twelve Labours. It is believed these Testone may have been issued to pay the poll tax levied to fund the construction.

The final winners of all Triton XXVII lots will be determined at the live public sale that will be held on 9-10 January 2024.

Triton XXVII – Session Four – Lot 984–1341 will be held Wednesday afternoon, 10 January 2024 beginning at 2:00 PM ET.

Winning bids are subject to a 22.5% buyer's fee for bids placed on this website and 25% for all others.

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