Catalog
| Issuer | Savoy, Duchy of |
|---|---|
| Year | 1553-1580 |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Value | 2 Grossi (2⁄15) |
| Currency | Lira |
| Composition | Billon |
| Weight | 2.50 g |
| Diameter | 26 mm |
| Thickness | |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Engraver(s) | |
| In circulation to | |
| Reference(s) | CNI II#10 |
| Obverse description | Crowned shield with coat of arms of Savoy. Roses in left and right fields. |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Latin |
| Obverse lettering | ✥ E · PHILIBERTVS · DE · SABAVDIA |
| Reverse description | Cross bottony. |
| Reverse script | Latin |
| Reverse lettering | ✥ PRINCEPS · PEDEMON · CO · AST · N |
| Edge | |
| Mint | |
| Mintage |
ND (1553-1580) - - |
| Numisquare ID | 4531816840 |
| Additional information |
Historical Context: The 2 Grossi of Emanuele Filiberto (Emmanuel Philibert) marks a pivotal era for the Duchy of Savoy, spanning his 1553-1580 reign. Known as "Testa di Ferro," he was a military genius and statesman who restored Savoyard sovereignty after French occupation, following the 1559 Treaty of Cateau-Cambrésis. This coinage reflects his program of state reconstruction, economic stabilization, and reassertion of ducal authority, symbolizing Savoy's emergence as a significant regional power.
Artistry: While specific engraver details are often unrecorded, the design adheres to the prevailing Italian Renaissance stylistic school. The obverse typically features a dignified bust of Emanuele Filiberto, often armored and laureate, conveying his martial prowess and sovereign legitimacy. Portraiture, though stylized, aims for clear representation. The reverse commonly displays a ducal shield, a cross potent, or a complex monogrammatic design, surrounded by ducal titles. Artistic execution, constrained by billon, prioritizes clarity and symbolic impact.
Technical/Grading: Struck in billon, a low-silver alloy, this 2 Grossi typically presents inherent strike limitations. High-points for the obverse portrait include the nose, chin, and helmet/hair; reverse device centers are also susceptible to wear. Due to billon composition and large diameter (26mm) for its weight (2.50g), flan irregularities, weak strikes, and off-center alignments are common. Luster is generally absent, and surface granularity or minor planchet defects frequently impact overall grade assessment.