Catalog
| Issuer | Savoy, Duchy of |
|---|---|
| Year | 1561-1580 |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Value | 4 Soldi (1/5) |
| Currency | Lira |
| Composition | Silver |
| Weight | 4.60 g |
| Diameter | 26 mm |
| Thickness | |
| Shape | Round |
| Technique | |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Engraver(s) | |
| In circulation to | |
| Reference(s) | MIR#520, Biaggi#439 |
| Obverse description | Savoy shield with the motto FERT on field, below the mint sign |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Latin |
| Obverse lettering |
EM • FILIB • D • G • DUX • SABAUDIE • P • PED (Translation: Emanuele Filiberto Dei Gratia Dux Sabaudie et Princeps Piedmont) |
| Reverse description | Cross of the San Maurizio Order |
| Reverse script | Latin |
| Reverse lettering |
IN • TE • DOMINE • CONFIDO • (date) • (mint or engraver letter) (Translation: Trust in you, Lord) |
| Edge | Smooth |
| Mint |
Bourg-en-Bresse, France Chambéry, France A Aosta, Italy N Nice, France T Turin, Italy V Vercelli, Italy |
| Mintage |
1561 - no initials (Vercelli) - 1563 - AM - Andrea Morel (Chambery) - 1563 - no initials (Bourg) - 1563 T - mint mark sign - 1563 V - mint mark sign - 1564 - AM - Andrea Morel (Chambery) - 1564 - L - Luchino Reale (Bourg) - 1564 N - mint mark sign - 1565 - AM - Andrea Morel (Chambery) - 1565 - EB - Etienne Bourges (Chambery) - 1565 - no initials (Aosta) - 1566 - EB - Etienne Bourges (Chambery) - 1567 - EB - Etienne Bourges (Chambery) - 1567 - no initials (Chambery) - 1567 - P - Cristoforo Porro (Bourg) - 1567 - PD - Pietro de Luan (Bourg) - 1568 - NV - Nicola Vialard (Aosta) - 1569 - NV - Nicola Vialard (Aosta) - 1570 - ML - Mario d`Alvigi (Aosta) - 1570 - PD - Pietro de Luan (Bourg) - 1570 T - mint mark sign - 1570 V - mint mark sign - 1571 - EB - Etienne Bourges (Chambery) - 1572 - EB - Etienne Bourges (Chambery) - 1573 A - mint mark sign - 1573 T - mint mark sign - 1575 A - mint mark sign - 1576 T - mint mark sign - 1577 T - mint mark sign - 1577 V - mint mark sign - 1579 N - mint mark sign - 1580 T - mint mark sign - 1580 V - mint mark sign - |
| Numisquare ID | 9809306710 |
| Additional information |
Historical Context: Emanuele Filiberto, Duke of Savoy, known as "Testa di Ferro," issued this Bianco 4 Soldi (1561-1580) during a pivotal era. Following the 1559 Treaty of Cateau-Cambrésis, his ancestral lands were restored after French occupation. This coin signifies his vigorous efforts to rebuild the Duchy, consolidate power, and establish economic stability through crucial monetary reforms. His reign saw the capital relocate to Turin and the formation of a modern state, with this silver denomination vital to the re-established Savoyard economy.
Artistry: The Bianco 4 Soldi (MIR#520, Biaggi#439) exemplifies late Renaissance numismatic artistry, characteristic of Italian states. While specific engravers are often unrecorded, the stylistic school reflects a transition towards early Mannerism, featuring refined portraiture. The obverse typically presents a dignified, armored bust of Emanuele Filiberto, conveying authority. The reverse commonly displays the ducal crowned shield of Savoy, often quartered with dynastic arms, symbolizing the Duke's restored sovereignty and heritage. The design is robust, balancing intricate detail with clear legibility.
Technical/Grading: Weighing 4.60 grams and measuring 26 mm, this silver Bianco 4 Soldi often exhibits variable strike quality. High-points susceptible to wear or weakness include the Duke's hair, ear, and the highest points of his armor. On the reverse, the crown atop the shield and intricate armorial details are frequently the first areas to show flattening. Collectors should seek a well-centered strike, as off-center examples are not uncommon. Flan quality can vary, with some pieces displaying minor irregularities, typical of 16th-century minting.