Catalog
| Issuer | Milan, Duchy of |
|---|---|
| Year | 1790-1792 |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Value | 1/2 Sovrano (15⁄4) |
| Currency | Scudo (?-1796) |
| Composition | Gold (.900) |
| Weight | 5.53 g |
| Diameter | 24 mm |
| Thickness | |
| Shape | Round |
| Technique | Milled |
| Orientation | |
| Engraver(s) | |
| In circulation to | |
| Reference(s) | KM#232, Fr#739e, N&V#480, C#56 |
| Obverse description | Bust to right, mintmark below. |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Latin |
| Obverse lettering | LEOPOLD·II·D·G·R·IMP·S·A·GE·HIE·HV·BO·REX· M |
| Reverse description | Crowned oval arms. |
| Reverse script | Latin |
| Reverse lettering | ARCH·AVST·DVX·BVRG·LOTH·BRAB·COM·FLAN·1791· |
| Edge | |
| Mint | |
| Mintage |
1790 M - - 1791 M - - 1792 M - - |
| Numisquare ID | 1824178210 |
| Additional information |
Historical Context: The 1/2 Sovrano of Leopold II, struck by the Duchy of Milan between 1790 and 1792, represents a pivotal, brief period in European history. Leopold II’s short reign as Holy Roman Emperor coincided with the tumultuous French Revolution, forcing him to balance reform with imperial stability. Milan, a vital Austrian possession in Lombardy, continued to issue coinage under Habsburg authority, reflecting the imperial monetary system in its Italian territories.
Artistry: The coin’s obverse presents a laureate bust of Leopold II, facing right, embodying imperial dignity. The stylistic execution aligns with a refined late Baroque tradition, subtly incorporating emerging Neoclassical elements characteristic of major European mints. The reverse prominently features the crowned double-headed imperial eagle, a powerful emblem of the Holy Roman Empire and the Habsburg dynasty. This eagle bears a shield representing various territories, with the design emphasizing dynastic power and continuity.
Technical/Grading: Struck in .900 fine gold, weighing 5.53 grams and measuring 24 millimeters, these 1/2 Sovrano coins generally exhibit commendable strike quality. Key high-points susceptible to wear or strike weakness include the emperor’s hair and laurel wreath on the obverse, and the crowns and heads of the double-headed eagle on the reverse. Higher-grade examples display strong original luster and sharp detail in the legends and primary devices. Planchet quality from the Milan mint was consistently high, reflecting imperial minting standards.