© Numismatica Ars Classica NAC AG
© Numismatica Ars Classica NAC AG
"Light" Teston - Francis III ND
| Silver | 6.0 g | - |
| Issuer | Duchy of Mantua (Italian States) |
|---|---|
| Duke | Francis III (1540-1550) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 1540-1550 |
| Value | 1 Testone (¼) |
| Currency | Scudo |
| Composition | Silver |
| Weight | 6.0 g |
| Shape | Round |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-05 |
| Numista | N#319966 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Saint Michael the Archangel walking left, leading the young Tobias by the hand. Tobias holding a large fish on a string behind him.
Script: Latin
Lettering: VIAS ·TVAS · DOMINE · DEMOSTRA · MIHI ⋆
Translation: O Lord, show me your ways
Comment
Francis III ascended the throne at the age of 7, and would die tragically at the age of just 17.Interesting fact
One interesting fact about the "Light" Teston coin from the Duchy of Mantua is that it was minted during the reign of Francis III, who was the last ruler of the Gonzaga dynasty. Despite his reign being marked by political and economic challenges, Francis III was known for his passion for the arts and commissioned many artistic works, including the design of this coin. The coin's design features an image of the ruler on one side and the Mantuan coat of arms on the other, symbolizing the duchy's rich history and cultural heritage.
