1 Scudo - Louis II Tizzone

Historical Context: The 1 Scudo of Louis II Tizzone, issued 1510-1525, is a significant numismatic artifact from the County of Desana, a minor Italian state in Piedmont. Louis II was the last independent Count, ruling during the tumultuous Italian Wars. Issuing gold coinage like the Scudo was a powerful assertion of sovereignty and economic status amidst intense political instability, as larger powers vied for control. This coin embodies Desana's brief, independent existence before its absorption.

Artistry: While the specific engraver is unrecorded, the coin’s design reflects early 16th-century Italian Renaissance numismatics. Coins from smaller mints often blend late Gothic detail and emerging Renaissance naturalism. Typically, a Scudo would feature a crowned shield, likely bearing the Tizzone family arms, on one side, and a bust of the ruler or a religious patron saint on the other. The artistic execution aimed to convey the Count's authority and piety.

Technical/Grading: This gold Scudo, weighing 3.43 grams and measuring 27 millimeters, often presents with characteristic strike variations common to the era. Key high-points for assessing wear typically include the highest relief elements of the crown, hair and facial features of any bust, and details within the shield’s armorial bearings. Collectors should observe planchet quality for irregularities, and strike for centering and completeness of detail, as dies could be worn or misaligned.