Milano. Gian Galeazzo Maria Sforza, regency of his mother Bona of Savoy, 1476-1480. Double ducat 1479–1480, AV 6.93 g. ø 24 mm. Small head of St. Ambrose BONA’DVCI – SA’MLI’7C' Veiled bust of Bona r. Rev. Small head of St. Ambrose IO’G3 M SF VI – CECO DVX M SX Armoured bust of Gian Galeazzo r. Bernareggi 91. Ravegnani Morosini 2. Crippa 1. MIR 217/1. MEC 12, unlisted. Friedberg 690. Extremely rare and in exceptional condition for the issue, possibly the finest specimen in private hands. Two very elegant portraits of fine style perfectly centred on a full flan. Good extremely fine Ex Leu sale 68, 1996, 360 Bona of Savoy assumed the regency of the duchy in 1477, following the recognition of her son Gian Galeazzo Maria as the VI Duke of Milan. Following the assassination of her husband, the V Duke Galeazzo Maria, the regent had to navigate numerous pitfalls, and thanks to the great mediation work conducted by the ducal councillor Francesco "Cicco" Simonetta, she managed to have her regency recognized. In 1481, under pressure from the ambitious and cunning uncle of the young duke, Ludovico Maria, the duchess was exiled to the castle of Pavia and the government was assumed by Il Moro. During the regency of Bona, doppio ducati and testoni were issued, all of which are today extremely rare; in particular, the gold denominations display remarkable artistic quality. For example, the subtle rendering of the string of pearls falling along the duchess's head expresses the high, almost painterly execution of the work. Regarding the author of these beautiful dies, Ravegnani hypothesizes that it might be Ambrogio di Matteo da Clivate, who had already worked for Galeazzo Maria Sforza, creating his doppio ducato (cf. lot 192). Finally, this coin is among the few of the Renaissance to feature a female portrait. Please find here the video of the coin