© Nomos AG
© Nomos AG
1 Thaler - Margherita di Foix
1516 year| Silver | 38.70 g | 45 mm |
| Issuer | Marquisate of Saluzzo (Italian States) |
|---|---|
| Marchioness | Margaret of Foix-Candale (1492-1526) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Year | 1516 |
| Value | 1 Tallero = 40 Grossi |
| Currency | Testone |
| Composition | Silver |
| Weight | 38.70 g |
| Diameter | 45 mm |
| Shape | Round |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Medal alignment ↑↑ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-05 |
| Numista | N#234713 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 97% |
Reverse
Jousting shield, divided per pale between the arms of Saluzzo, Foix, and Bearn, hanging on an uprooted and leafless tree; in the branches, a dove facing left.
Script: Latin
Lettering: + DEVS ' PROTECTOR ' ET ' REFVGIVM ' MEVM ' I IC '
Engraver: Benedetto da Briosco
Comment
The dies for this coin were sinked by Benedetto da Briosco, a close friend of the da Clivate brothers, mintmasters at Carmagnola from 19 January 1515.After her husband's sudden death at 65 in 1504, Marguerite de Foix continued to rule her husband's territories as regent until her sons came of age. This coin was made to celebrate Marguerite's position as regent, even though her eldest son Michele Antonio was already 21 at the time. Michele Antonio was not interested in administration, amd focused on the military affairs, being killed by a cannonball in 1528. The obverse of the coin shows Marguerite in widow's attire, while the reverse shows a dead tree in reference to her dead husband, but with a dove signifying renewal perched in the branches.
Interesting fact
The 1 Thaler - Margherita di Foix 1516 coin from the Marquisate of Saluzzo (Italian States) features a unique design element - a small shield with the coat of arms of the House of Foix, which was a powerful noble family in the region. This shield is located on the reverse side of the coin, surrounded by an ornate border. This feature sets the coin apart from other coins of the time and adds to its historical and numismatic significance.
