Triton XIV, Lot: 1392. Estimate $2000. Sold for $1300. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

ITALY, Papal Coinage. Francesco Alidosi. Cardinal Legate of Bologna and Romagna, 1508-1509. Æ Medal (62mm, 75.35 g, 12h). Francesco Francia (fl. circa 1490-1517), engraver. FR • ALIDOXIVS • CAR • PAPIEN • BON • ROMANDIOLAE • Q(ue scribal abbreviation) • C • LEGAT •, bust of Francesco Alidosi right, wearing mantle and biretta / HIS AVIBVS CVRRVQ(ue scribal abbreviation) CITO DVCE RIS AD A STRA, Jupiter, holding thunderbolt, in ornate car left, drawn by eagles across clouds; constellations Pisces and Sagittarius in exergue. Hill 610; Arm II, 116, 45; Pollard 211 = Kress 186. Good VF, light brown patina, pierced, small casting flaw on obverse. A very fine quality contemporary cast.

Born in Castel del Rio in the province of Bologna, Francesco Alidosi was the third son of Giovanni Alidosi, signore of that town. In 1494, Francesco accompanied Cardinal Giuliano della Rovere (the future Pope Julius II) on a diplomatic mission to France, an event which created a lasting bond between the two men, including Alidosi’s appointment as della Roviere’s secretary and right hand man. Created cardinal in 1505, Alidosi served as Cardinal Legate of Bologna and Romagna, 1508-1509. He is more famous as the intermediary between Julius II and Michelangelo. In 1506, he signed the contract comissioning the artist to paint the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. He also served as Cardinal protector of England (1509-1510), though his fulfillment of that post was less than stellar. A patron of the arts, Alidosi counted Desiderius Erasmus as a protege. A portait of Alidosi was painted by Raphael.