Catalogue
| Émetteur | Lordship of Mesocco (Grisons) |
|---|---|
| Année | 1487-1518 |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Valeur | 1 Scudo d'oro del sole (5) |
| Devise | Testone (1487-1549) |
| Composition | Gold |
| Poids | 3.4 g |
| Diamètre | |
| Épaisseur | |
| Forme | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | |
| Graveur(s) | |
| En circulation jusqu’à | |
| Référence(s) | MIR LOM#972, CNI IV#3, HMZ 2#564 |
| Description de l’avers | Finely beaded circle encloses a shield bearing three crosses, flanking are twin I's, each with three tiny crescents. |
|---|---|
| Écriture de l’avers | Latin |
| Légende de l’avers | CRISTVS VINCIT |
| Description du revers | Cross fleury in double circle. |
| Écriture du revers | Latin |
| Légende du revers | CRISTVS REGNAT |
| Tranche | |
| Atelier | Mesocco, Switzerland (1487-1518) |
| Tirage | ND (1487-1518) |
| ID Numisquare | 5936176313 |
| Informations supplémentaires |
Historical Context: The 1 Scudo d'oro of Johann Jakob Trivulzio, issued by the Lordship of Mesocco (Grisons) from 1487-1518, is a significant artifact from the turbulent Italian Wars. Trivulzio, a celebrated condottiero and Marshal of France, acquired strategic Mesocco in 1487. His issuance of gold coinage, a rare privilege for such a lordship, powerfully asserted his wealth, military prestige, and sovereign ambition amidst shifting allegiances. This coin tangibly symbolizes his formidable influence in a complex era.
Artistry: The Scudo d'oro's design, though from a provincial mint, was influenced by Italian Renaissance numismatic trends. The obverse typically features the detailed Trivulzio family coat of arms—a shield with specific heraldic charges—or a stylized bust of Johann Jakob. The reverse commonly bears a religious motif, like a standing saint or a cruciform design, often with a mintmark or Latin inscription. Engraving, while less refined than major Italian centers, aimed for clear legibility and symbolic representation of authority.
Technical/Grading: Struck in gold at 3.4 grams, this hand-hammered coin exhibits characteristics typical of late medieval issues. High-points for wear or strike weakness are generally found on intricate heraldic details, like the crown or shield charges, or the highest relief of any portraiture. A well-preserved example displays a strong, even strike, retaining good original luster, and showing minimal evidence of planchet irregularities or off-centering, common in coinage from smaller mints of this era.