| Classical Numismatic Group > Triton XXVII | Auction date: 9 January 2024 |
| Lot number: 988 Price realized: 6,750 USD (Approx. 6,182 EUR) Note: Prices do not include buyer's fees. | Show similar lots on CoinArchives Find similar lots in upcoming auctions on  |
| Lot description: ITALY, Ferrara (Duchy). Ercole I d'Este. 1471-1505. AR Idra – Doppio grossone (27mm, 7.64 g, 6h). Third emission, struck 1493. Bare head right / Seven-headed Hydra. Belessia 14/C; MIR 255. Richly toned. Good VF. Rare. A most pleasing example of this wonderful type. From the J. Eric Engstrom Collection, purchased from C. Subak, February 1985. This reverse alludes to the construction of the Addizione Erculea, a northern suburb of Ferrara. The area to be developed was covered with malaria-ridden swamps which had to be drained and filled before construction could begin. To symbolize this monumental task, Ercole chose a scene from the exploits of his namesake, Hercules, who slayed the seven-headed Lernean Hydra in the second of his Twelve Labours. It is believed these Testone may have been issued to pay the poll tax levied to fund the construction. Estimate: 4000 USD |  |
