Milan Under Louis XII of France

Sale: CNG 78, Lot: 2084. Estimate $300.  Closing Date: Wednesday, 14 May 2008.  Sold For $185. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

ITALY, Milano (Duchi). Ludovico XII di Francia. 1500-1512. AR Soldo (1.05 g, 10h). Crowned coat of arms of France / Cross fleurée. CNI V 105; Duplessy 732; Ciani 1019. Good VF, toned, minor spot of verdigris.

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.