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1/2 Testone - Louis III
| Issuer | Mantua, Duchy of |
|---|---|
| Year | 1445-1478 |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
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| Obverse description | Central field displays the quartered arms of the Gonzaga dynasty, each quarter bearing a displayed eagle, divided by a plain cross. The heraldic shield is encircled by a wreath of laurel. The surrounding legend reads LODOVICVS MANTVE MARCHIO II, identifying Louis II, Marquess of Mantua, rendered in Gothic-influenced Roman capitals. The flan is irregular and slightly broader than the die, typical of hammered silver coinage of the period. |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Log in to see details |
| Obverse lettering | ⁕ LODOVICVS · MANTVE · MARCHIO · II (Translation: Louis, second Marquess of Mantova) |
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| Additional information |
Louis III Gonzaga ruled Mantua for over four decades and spent much of his reign as one of the most sought-after condottieri in northern Italy, commanding forces for both Milan and Venice at different points. The testone — a large-format silver coin bearing a portrait — was essentially a Milanese invention of the 1460s, and Mantua's adoption of the type reflects how quickly the Gonzaga court absorbed Sforza innovations. The half-testone sits at the edge of that experiment, struck in modest quantities for a small signorial mint with limited silver throughput.