ITALY, Ferrara (ducato). Ercole I d'Este. 1471-1505. AR Quarto – Testone (27mm, 7.64 g, 2h).

Triton XXIII – Session Four – World Coinage Part II, British Coinage and Medals, and Large Lots
Lot: 1117.

World, Silver

Estimate: $ 3 000

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ITALY, Ferrara (ducato). Ercole I d'Este. 1471-1505. AR Quarto – Testone (27mm, 7.64 g, 2h). HERCVLES DUX FERRARIAE II, head right / Seven-headed Hydra. Cf. Grierson, Coins of Medieval Europe 402 (for similar grosso); CNI X 20; MIR 255; Bellesia, Ferrara 14; Biaggi 769. Toned, mount removed with traces of solder remaining. VF.

From the Richard A. Jourdan Collection of Medieval European Coins. Ex World-Wide Coins of California (James F. Elmen) XLVII (12 May 2005), lot 165.

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.

The final winners of all Triton XXIII lots will be determined at the live public sale that will be held on 14-15 January 2020. Triton XXIII – Session Four – World Coinage Part II, British Coinage and Medals, and Large Lots will be held Wednesday afternoon, 15 January 2020 beginning at 2:00 PM ET.

Winning bids are subject to a 20% buyer's fee for bids placed on this website and in person at the public auction, 22.50% for all others.