 GENOA. Giano III Campofregoso, Doge XXIV, 1447-1448. 10 Scudi d'oro, n.d. 37.5 x 36.42mm, 34.41 grams. Dotted circle encloses the Doge's bust l. in felt hat and long straight hair, somewhat double-struck with legible Latin legend IANVS * II * IDE * CAMPO * F * DVX * IANVE. Rv. Dotted circle encloses a crowned shield bearing the Imperial double-headed eagle within the Latin legend + CAESARIS MAXIMIL. SEMPER * AVGV *. This legend is given in the Genitive case identifying the Arms as OF THE EVER-AUGUST CAESAR MAXIMILIAN, the title used by Maximilian before his election as Holy Roman Emperor in 1492. Unlisted in Friedberg and KM.
This dramatic rarity recalls a grim period in the history of this once-great port city, weakened in the late 1400's by internecine struggles between the contending Adorno and Campofregoso families and by foreign intervention, including that of the French King Louis XII, Maximilian and Giovanni Maria Sforza of Milan. This historic coin is Unique and of the greatest possible numismatic importance. It realized 2,700 Gold Lire, the highest realization in the 1880 sale of the great Cavaliere Giancarlo Rossi Collection, arguably the greatest collection of Italian coins sold up to that time. This remarkable rarity has not been offered on the numismatic market in 126 years and its appearance offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for 21st century numismatists. Conservatively graded Choice Very Fine. (Est. $450,000-$550,000)
Ex Cavaliere Giancarlo Rossi Collection, (Dura and Sambon, Roma, December 1880, lot 1529); previously in the celebrated collection of the Prince of Montenuovo.
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