Cuirassed bust of Ludovico Maria Sforza on the right., Ludovico in medieval armour, brandishing a sword and wearing a crested helm, on horseback on the right, both bearing the biscione of Milan., An exceptional coin, a masterpiece of the Italian Renaissance and probably one of the most impressive issues of its time, representative of the incredible cultural centre that was Milan at the end of the 14th century. No simple ducats were struck, only doubles, reflecting Ludovico Maria Sforza's desire to create an impression of prestige and superiority over other coinage. Note the interesting transition between a reverse with a still very medieval representation and a portrait on the obverse in the purest Italian Renaissance style. The horse is caparisoned with the biscione of Milan and whip used by Saint Ambrose to chase heretics out of Italy. These elements can be seen on the armour and on the rider's crest. At 12h, at the beginning of the obverse legend, there is an interesting representation of the head of Saint Ambrose, patron saint of the city of Milan, recognisable in the iconography of this century by his long beard and episcopal mitre. Specimen with a double-strike and with a few very slight die breaks. Traces of plaster still present on the reverse of the horse, indicating that the coin was probably moulded. Unfortunately, this specimen has been cleaned and shows some hairlines. MIR: 228., LVDOVICVS' M' SF' AN-GLVS' DVX' MLI, +PP' ANGLIE' Q3' CO' AC' IANVE' D' ZC'