Obverse © Nomos AG – Reverse © Numismatica Ars Classica NAC AG
Obverse © Nomos AG – Reverse © Numismatica Ars Classica NAC AG
½ Testone - Ludovico XII d'Orléans ND
| Silver | 3.82 g | 28 mm |
| Issuer | Asti (Italian States) |
|---|---|
| Lord | Louis XII, King of France (1498-1515) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 1498-1508 |
| Value | ½ Testone (¼) |
| Currency | Lira (1095-1553) |
| Composition | Silver |
| Weight | 3.82 g |
| Diameter | 28 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-05 |
| Numista | N#225662 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Nimbate and cuirassed bust of St. Secondus to left.
Lettering: ⚜ : S . SECONDVS . * ASTENSIS * :
Comment
Half testons of this type are often found clipped, as the Gnecchi piece in Monnaies et Médailles XV, 1955, 352.St. Secondus was a legionary officer who was apparently a native of Asti (Roman Hasta). He was beheaded there under Hadrian for refusing to abjure his faith. Asti was a particularly powerful city of the Piedmont and played an important role in regional trade, but its constant struggles with Savoy finally resulted in the city being taken over by the French crown. It remained a French possession until it passed to Charles V who gave it to his sister-in-law Beatrice of Portugal. She had married Charles III of Savoy in 1521, becoming Duchess of Savoy, and then, on receiving Asti in 1531, Countess of Asti. Thus, Asti finally became a permanent possession of Savoy's. (Source: Nomos AG Auction 11 Catalog, 9 October 2015, Lot 281)
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about the ½ Testone coin from Asti (Italian States) is that it features an image of Ludovico XII d'Orléans, who was the Duke of Milan from 1498 to 1508. He was known for his military campaigns and his patronage of the arts, and his image on the coin reflects his importance in Italian history.
