CNI 2/3. Of the utmost rarity. 

An extremely rare coin with great charm. In our opinion, probably the best preserved example ever discovered. 

Nice SPL. 

Maximilian I of Habsburg, born in Wiener Neustadt in 1459, was one of the most central figures in European politics between the late fifteenth and early sixteenth centuries. Son of Emperor Frederick III, he became King of the Romans in 1486 and Holy Roman Emperor in 1508, without undergoing a papal coronation, an event that marked a significant break with medieval tradition.

Maximilian is often remembered as the “first modern emperor”: he promoted administrative, military and fiscal reforms, supported the use of the press as a tool for political and dynastic propaganda, and laid the foundations of the future Habsburg power thanks to a wise marriage policy.

At the end of the 15th century, northern Italy was one of the main theaters of conflict between the great European powers. Verona, a border city and strategic hub between the Germanic imperial area and the Po Valley, was of fundamental military, economic, and symbolic importance.

The key moment in the relationship between Maximilian I and the city of Scaliger occurred during the War of the League of Cambrai (1508–1516). This alliance, initially promoted by the emperor himself together with France, Spain, and the Papacy, had as its primary objective the weakening of the Republic of Venice.

In 1509, after the heavy Venetian defeat at Agnadello, Maximilian managed to temporarily occupy Verona, along with other Venetian cities. The entry of imperial troops was greeted with caution by the population: while the emperor promised the restoration of ancient municipal liberties, the burden of military garrisons and requisitions fueled widespread discontent.

Imperial rule over Verona, however, was brief and unstable. By 1517, taking advantage of the Habsburgs' financial and military difficulties, Venice had finally reconquered the city. This episode marked the failure of Maximilian's plan to reestablish lasting control over northeastern Italy.

It was during this very brief period that the Emperor minted the lira or testone that we are pleased to offer at auction; one of the rarest and most valuable silver coins of the Italian Renaissance period, of which only a few examples are known to exist in private hands.