ITALY. Milano (Duchi). Carlo I di Spagna (Carlo V, Sacro Romano Impero), 1535-1554. Testone (Silver, 30 mm, 11.94 g, 10 h), so-called 'Testone della pietà'. By L. Leoni, no date (circa 1545). CAROLVS•AVG - •IMP•CAES• Laureate and cuirassed bust of Carlo I to right. Rev. •S•P•Q•MEDIOL•OPTIO•PRINCIPI• / PIETAS Pietas, veiled, seated left on throne draped with lion legs forming a sella curulis, holding patera in her right hand; to left and right, arms and armor. CNI 38. Crippa 26/B. Gnecchi 2906. MEC 12, 788. Toderi/Vannel 37. Very rare and beautifully preserved. Minor scratches, otherwise, nearly extremely fine.



The reverse identifies the piece as a donative of the citizens of Milan to Charles V, honored as ruler and protector of the fatherland. The model for the reverse was the obverse of a Sestertius of Caligula struck to commemorate the dedication of the Temple of Divus Augustus (RIC 36). Combined with the classicizing portrait on the obverse, this coin is a consummate expression of the late Italian Renaissance - indeed, of Mannerism at its finest.