Genoa, Biennal Doges, 1528-1797.

5 Doppie 1616, Genoa. City gate between two crosses. Date below / Cross surrounded by four stars. 33,30g. Fr. 416; KM 16; Pesce p. 69 var. (date); Pesce & Felloni p. 98.

Extremely fine.

From the late 14th to the 16th century, France and Milan controlled the city of Genoa, although nominal independence was preserved. In 1528, Andrea Doria established a new constitution, making Genoa a satellite of the Spanish Empire. Under the ensuing economic recovery, many aristocratic Genoese families, such as the Balbi, Doria, Gimaldi, Pallavicini, and Serra, amassed tremendous fortunes. The city attracted many artists, including Rubens, Caravaggio and Van Dyck. In May 1625, a Franch-Savoian army that invaded the Republic was successfully driven out by the combined Spanish and Genoese armies.