Sale: Triton VIII, Lot: 1662. Estimate $750.  Closing Date: Monday, 10 January 2005.  Sold For $1900. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

ITALY, Milan. Gian Galeazzo Maria Sforza and Ludovico Maria Sforza. 1481-1494. AR Testone (9.44 gm, 9h). (bishop's head)'IOGZ'M'SF'VICECO'DVX• MLI'SX', cuirassed bust of Gian Galeazzo right / (bishop's head)'LVDOVICVS'PATRVVS'GVBNANS, cuirassed bust of Ludovico right. Crippa II pg. 247, 3; CNI V pg. 189, 19; Morosini III pg. 264, 8. Good VF, toned. Wonderful Renaissance portraits. ($750)

From the Robert Schonwalter Collection.

The Sforza's rule in Milan began with Francisco seizing power in 1450. Francisco's son Galeazzo, seeking to incease his prestige, married the sister-in-law of the French king. While ruling harshly, he nevertheless patronized artists and architects. His son, Gian Galeazzo, succeeded him in 1476. A weak ruler, his reign was dominated first by his mother Bona de Savoia and then his uncle Ludovico, who held the real power in Milan until his unfortunate nephew's death in 1494.