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Auction: 24124 - Spink Numismatic e-Circular 36: British and World Coins and Medals - e-Auction
Lot: 1850

Italy, Leone Leoni (c.1509-90), Bronze Medal, Andrea Doria, Genoese Admiral (1466-1550), ANDREAS DORIA . P . P ., cuirassed and draped bust right, wearing Badge of the Order of the Golden Fleece, trident behind, rev. galley with sails furled being rowed to right, passing two men in a small boat, 27.28g, 41mm (Armand I, 164,9; Pollard Bargello 712; Kress 431; Middeldorf LIV), with pleasant chocolate brown surfaces, good very fine

Provenance

The "Estafefette No. 21" Collection of Ancient, English and World Coins

Spink, Auction 6013, 29 June 2006, lot 293

Margaret Amstell, by private treaty, 11 June 1987

Glendining, 10 June 1987, lot 322


This medal can be dated to 1541. Leoni had been sent to the galleys the year before for assaulting the goldsmith Pellegrino di Leuti, jeweler to Pope Paul III. His release was secured through the intervention of Andrea Doria, the famous Genoese Admiral. It is generally presumed that Leoni depicts himself in the small boat on the reverse of this medal, rowing to freedom.

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Estimate
£400 to £500

Starting price
£300