Teston - Bonifacio Ferrero

Historical Context: This Teston, issued by Bonifacio Ferrero, Abbot of Fruttuaria from 1529-1543, signifies the abbey's temporal power in early 16th-century Piedmont, Italy. Amidst regional political shifts, Ferrero, later a cardinal, utilized the abbey's seigniorial rights, including coinage, to assert its sovereignty and economic independence. This substantial silver issue thus reflects Fruttuaria's status as an autonomous ecclesiastical principality, highlighting both Ferrero's authority and the abbey's regional influence.

Artistry: Artistically, this Teston exemplifies the Italian Renaissance style prevalent in northern Italy. Though the engraver remains anonymous, the obverse typically presents a finely rendered portrait bust of Abbot Ferrero, often in profile, characteristic of the era's classical revival and individualistic representation. The reverse commonly features heraldic elements, such as Ferrero's personal coat of arms combined with symbols of the Abbey of Fruttuaria, or a patron saint, executed with precision suitable for this large silver denomination.

Technical/Grading: This silver Teston, weighing 9.07 grams and measuring 31mm, is a substantial numismatic artifact. Key high-points for evaluation include the intricate details of the abbot's facial features and vestments on the obverse, and the relief of heraldic devices or religious figures on the reverse. A superior strike will exhibit full legend clarity and sharp detail across all design elements, especially at the highest points of the bust and associated regalia. Planchet quality and surface preservation, including original luster, are crucial for condition assessment.