1 Gigliato - Galeazzo Maria Sforza

Historical Context: This 1 Gigliato, bearing the name of Galeazzo Maria Sforza (Duke of Milan, 1466-1476), was struck by the Lordship of Chios, a crucial Genoese colony in the Aegean. Its issuance underscores the profound, often indirect, influence of powerful Italian city-states like Milan over distant trading outposts. Genoa, frequently under Milanese sway, allowed its Chian Maona to issue coinage reflecting broader Italian authority, facilitating trade and affirming alliances. The Gigliato, a widely accepted silver denomination, thus carried the Sforza imprimatur, signifying Milan's far-reaching prestige and commercial ties in the Levant.

Artistry: The coin exhibits an Italianate Late Gothic to early Renaissance stylistic fusion, typical of northern Italian numismatic art of the mid-15th century, adapted for a colonial mint. No specific engraver is documented; dies were likely cut by local or itinerant artisans, drawing inspiration from Milanese prototypes. The Sforza portrayal reflects idealized, yet individualistic, Renaissance portraiture, even if provincially executed. Engraver signatures are unknown for this specific series, a common characteristic of colonial issues from this period.

Technical/Grading: For optimal grading, attention should be paid to the high-points of Galeazzo Maria Sforza's effigy: facial features (nose, eyes, mouth), hair/cap, and drapery folds. On the reverse, clarity and full strike of the central heraldic device (e.g., Genoese cross or lily) and surrounding legends are paramount. Weak strikes are common for this type, making well-defined legends and central devices highly desirable and impacting overall numismatic value significantly.