© Aste Bolaffi
© Aste Bolaffi
Ducat - John Galeazzo Maria Sforza ND
| Gold | 3.5 g | 21 mm |
| Issuer | Genoa › Republic of Genoa (1139-1797) |
|---|---|
| Lord | John Galeazzo Sforza (1488-1494) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 1488-1494 |
| Value | 1 Genovino = 20 Soldi = 1 Lira |
| Currency | Genovino (1139-1528) |
| Composition | Gold |
| Weight | 3.5 g |
| Diameter | 21 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-05 |
| Numista | N#419722 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Cross pattée in polylobe decorated with rosettes at each interior point, surrounded by reeded circle. Legend ends with initial of mint official.
Script: Latin
Lettering: ✠ : CONRAD' : REX : ROMNO : MP :
Translation: Conrad, king of the Romans
Comment
A variant with pellets (instead of rosettes) at the interior points of the polylobe, and slightly different legends both obverse and reverse is also known:
Obv: :IO:G2:DVX:M:VI:IANVA:D
Rev: CONRADUS:REX:ROM:N:G:
Additional legend variants are known for both types.
Interesting fact
The Ducat coin featuring John Galeazzo Maria Sforza, minted between 1488 and 1494, is an interesting piece of history. One fascinating fact about this coin is that it was used as a form of payment for the ransom of Christian captives held by the Ottoman Empire. The coin's value was equivalent to the weight of 3.5 grams of gold, making it a valuable and sought-after currency during that time.
