Written by Greta Gazzaniga
Emanuele Filiberto: the Duke who rebuilt the Savoyard State
Emanuele Filiberto of Savoy was a pivotal figure in the history of the dynasty. After inheriting a state in total ruin from his father, he succeeded in restoring the power of the House of Savoy through his brilliant military career, recovering much of the territory lost during the war between Spain and France.
According to the terms of the Treaty of Cateau-Cambrésis in 1559, France was required to return all Piedmontese and Savoyard territories to the rightful Duke. Although some cities remained temporarily occupied, Emanuele Filiberto progressively managed to regain control of strategic centers and mints. Until that point, in fact, coinage had been restricted solely to the city of Asti, where the Duke was permitted to strike coins through the authorization of the Holy Roman Empire.
The monetary reform and the Half Lira
With the arrival of peace, numerous mints were reactivated: Aosta, Asti, Bourg-en-Bresse, Chambéry, Nice, Turin, and Vercelli. Concurrently, between 1561 and 1562, the Duke launched a monetary reform by introducing a system based on the Lira, aiming to modernize and rationalize the internal circulation of the Duchy.
Among the most interesting issues, the Half Lira (Mezza Lira) stands out—a coin that is particularly sought after by collectors today. This specimen will be auctioned in our Auction 12, lot 795. The obverse features the Duke’s personal coat of arms, while the reverse depicts an unusual scene: an elephant in a natural landscape, watched by five (and sometimes up to seven) sheep.
Auction 12, Lot 795 – Emanuele Filiberto (1559-1580) Half Lira 1562 P
The Elephant and the sheep: A message of power and moderation
This iconography carries a profound symbolic meaning. In the 16th century, it was common for nobles to identify themselves through emblematic imagery. The elephant represents strength and greatness, but also self-control: on the coin, the animal appears peaceful among the sheep, which show no fear. The message is that of the “gentle prince,” capable of moderation yet ready to act if necessary.
The image must be read alongside the motto INFESTUS INFESTIS (“Hostile to the hostile”), which reinforces the idea of a sovereign who is just and mild-mannered, yet formidable if provoked. This interpretation is shared by several authors of the era, including Giovanni Ferro and Filippo Piccinelli, who link this symbolism to ancient descriptions, such as those of Emperor Augustus recorded by Aurelius Victor.
From libro di Giovanni Ferro, Teatro d’imprese, 1623
The Duke’s Military Achievements
The choice of the elephant as a personal symbol is likely linked to episodes from Emanuele Filiberto’s military career. In 1553, after being appointed supreme commander of the Imperial army by Charles V, he achieved his first major victory at the Battle of Hesdin. The following year, he decisively suppressed a rebellion, killing the Count of Waldeck.
Other interpretations suggest the symbol may instead reference the decisive victory at the Battle of Saint-Quentin in 1557 against French troops.
In 1562, Emanuele Filiberto moved the capital of the Duchy to Turin, transforming it into the heart of the Savoyard monetary system. Previously, this role had been held by the Chambéry mint, which nevertheless continued to serve as a key site for the transalpine territories.
Production and Rarity of the Half Lira
The first documentary traces of the Half Lira date back to 1561, the year of the monetary reform. The first issue took place in Vercelli, followed in 1562 by the Chambéry issue. The mint master was Nicolò Vialard, though it is likely that the operational production was entrusted to Andrea Morel.
Records indicate an annual requirement of approximately 2,500 silver marks for both Lire and Half Lire, without specifying the exact proportions between the two. The extreme rarity of these coins today suggests that these quantities were never fully met, or that a portion of the issues was later melted down, partly due to the high purity of the silver used.
The Failure of the Reform and the End of the Chambéry Mint
Despite the Duke’s efforts, the monetary reform did not achieve lasting success. His successor, Carlo Emanuele, reinstated the system based on the grosso, which was more widely used in both local and international markets.
The Chambéry mint also had a relatively short lifespan: its final issues date back to 1628–1629, and the premises were eventually sold off in 1717.
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