Catalogo
| Emittente | Savoy, Duchy of |
|---|---|
| Anno | 1553-1580 |
| Tipo | Standard circulation coin |
| Valore | 2 Grossi (2⁄15) |
| Valuta | Lira |
| Composizione | Billon |
| Peso | 2.50 g |
| Diametro | 26 mm |
| Spessore | |
| Forma | Round (irregular) |
| Tecnica | Hammered |
| Orientamento | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Incisore/i | |
| In circolazione fino al | |
| Riferimento/i | CNI II#10 |
| Descrizione del dritto | Crowned shield with coat of arms of Savoy. Roses in left and right fields. |
|---|---|
| Scrittura del dritto | Latin |
| Legenda del dritto | ✥ E · PHILIBERTVS · DE · SABAVDIA |
| Descrizione del rovescio | Cross bottony. |
| Scrittura del rovescio | Latin |
| Legenda del rovescio | ✥ PRINCEPS · PEDEMON · CO · AST · N |
| Bordo | |
| Zecca | |
| Tiratura |
ND (1553-1580) - - |
| ID Numisquare | 4531816840 |
| Informazioni aggiuntive |
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.