Charles, Duke of Orleans, Claims the Duchy of Milan

Sale: CNG 76, Lot: 1824. Estimate $1500.  Closing Date: Wednesday, 12 September 2007.  Sold For $1750. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

ITALY, Milano (Duchi). Ludovico XII di Francia. 1500-1512. AR Grosso regale da 6 soldi (3.57 g, 10h). Crowned coat of arms, two lis to sides / Saint Ambrose enthroned facing, holding crozier and baton. CNI V 83; Crippa 6; Duplessy 726; Ciani 1010. Good VF, toned.

In 1447, when the ruling Visconti line died out, Milan declared itself a republic. Charles, the French Duke of Orleans and son of a Visconti, contested this and claimed title to the duchy. He died in 1465, ultimately unable to take control of Milan. Charles’ son, King Louis XII, was more successful. He invaded Milan in 1499 with the help of Swiss mercenaries and succeeded in pushing out the ruling Sforza family, the dynasty that had taken control in 1450. Louis XII ruled the duchy of Milan until 1513, when the Swiss mercenaries -- now allied with the Sforzas -- forced him out. For several more decades, France and Milan remained embroiled in back-and-forth political battles, always with the involvement of several other nations. During his rule of Milan, Louis produced coinage in his name. This coin is particularly interesting, as it combines both French and Milanese symbols: the French coat of arms as well as Milan’s patron saint Ambrose.