Amadeo d'oro

The Amadeo d’oro is a historic gold coin from the Duchy of Savoy, minted during the reign of Duke Victor Amadeus I between 1630 and 1637. This impressive coin, worth 10 scudi, is one of the most important coins minted in northern Italy in the early modern period and reflects both the economic and political ambitions of the House of Savoy during a time of crisis. In a time marked by armed conflict and economic uncertainty, the Amadeo d’oro served not only as a means of payment, but also as an expression of princely power and monetary stability.
Made of high-carat gold, the Amadeo d’oro captivates with its artistic design and symbolic iconography. The obverse usually features a portrait of Duke Victor Amadeus I, often rendered in a fine Renaissance style, while the reverse shows heraldic elements of the House of Savoy or religious symbols. The careful execution of the minting underlines the representative function of this large gold coin, which was probably intended less for everyday use in payment transactions and more as a prestige object and for diplomatic use. Gold coins of this type played an important role in courtly representation and international trade in the 17th century.
In a numismatic context, the Amadeo d’oro is now an extremely rare and sought-after collector’s item, which impresses with both its material and historical value. Coins from this period and region are particularly prized by collectors, as they are not only excellent examples of Baroque coinage, but also document central chapters in Italian and European coinage history. The Amadeo d’oro embodies a phase in which the Duchy of Savoy skilfully attempted to balance its position between France and the Holy Roman Empire – also with the help of a targeted coinage policy that emphasised wealth and sovereignty.
Numismatics regards the Amadeo d’oro not only as a coin, but as an important testimony to dynastic self-representation, minted in a time of political uncertainty. Its preservation, minting quality and rarity make it a highlight of any collection of early modern gold coins. Furthermore, it conveys a fascinating picture of the monetary and power relations in a small European state that sought to strengthen its position in the international arena through the medium of coinage.