ITALY. Italy - Hungary. Milan. Goldgulden with Biscione Civic Countermark, ND (ca. late-17th Century). CHOICE VERY FINE; Countermark: EXTREMELY FINE.cf.Pohl-D2-33 (same countermark on a Sigimund Goldgulden, different assayer letter); Gnecchi-not listed CNI-not listed; Crippa-not listed; MIR-not listed. Biscione (crowned serpent devouring man or child) countermark within oval indent. The host is an undated (1402-37) Kremnitz mint, Assayer P Hungary Goldgulden of Sigismund I. An strongEXTREMELY /strongstrongRARE/strong host coin/countermark combination and only the second one we are aware of for these already very rare countermarks. The countermark is bold, though slightly uneven, with the host devices muddling part of the design. The host exhibits a nice strike with most of the design features well defined and clear with the exception a few minor details on the reverse arms in the upper right quadrant. A handsome and exotic issue that seldom appears on the market destine for an advanced collection of Italian or Hungarian gold.When the Visconti family rose to power during the 11th century the Biscione served as their crest. When the Visconti family died in the 15th century the emblem retained its association with Milan and became part of the arms of the house of Sforza.