Milano. Massimiliano Maria Sforza, 1512-1515. Medaglia, AR 33.98 g. ø 39 mm. Viper MAX MA SF VICECO DVX MLI VIII C3 Armoured bust l., wearing cap. Rev. + S AMBROSIVS IIETATE DEI St. Ambrose, seated on cathedra, holding whip in his l. hand and crosier in the r.; all within wreath. CNI 2. Hill 688. Ravegnani Morosini 2 (this medal illustrated). Crippa 8 (this medal illustrated). MIR p. 238, XXIII (this medal illustrated). Apparently unique. A very interesting and unusual medal. Wonderful old cabinet tone and about extremely fine/good very fine Ex Leu 74, 1998, 416 and Hess-Divo 320, 2011, 827 sales. From the Pietro Verri collection. Massimiliano Maria Sforza was Duke of Milan from 1512 to 1515, ruling during one of the most turbulent periods of the Italian Wars. His restoration to the Milanese duchy was supported by the Swiss Confederacy after the expulsion of the French. His coinage reflects the traditional monetary types of the Duchy of Milan, combining the heraldic symbols of the Sforza dynasty with the titles and insignia of the duke. Issues were struck in silver and billon, including commemorative medals. His relatively brief reign, lasting only three years, gives the coinage considerable historical and numismatic interest. The coins are tangible evidence of the temporary restoration of Sforza rule in Milan before Francis I of France reconquered the duchy in 1515. Consequently, Sforza coins of this period are particularly evocative of the political instability of early sixteenth-century Milan. Please find here the video of the coin