1/2 Baiocco - Gubbio

Historical Context: This 1/2 Baiocco from Gubbio was issued by the Roman Republic in 1798, a short-lived entity established under French revolutionary influence during the Napoleonic Wars. Following the occupation of Rome and the deposition of Pope Pius VI, a republican government was installed, embodying the ideals of liberty and equality. This coin represents a pivotal, yet ephemeral, period when traditional papal authority was supplanted by a French-backed administration, reflecting the broader geopolitical shifts across Italy and the spread of revolutionary principles.

Artistry: The design, characteristic of the era's Neoclassical stylistic school, typically features republican symbolism. While the engraver remains anonymous, the obverse commonly displays a fasces surmounted by a Phrygian cap, symbolizing unity and liberty, encircled by the legend 'REPUBBLICA ROMANA'. The reverse usually presents the denomination '1/2 BAIOCCO' and the date '1798' within a laurel wreath, signifying victory and honor. The aesthetic aimed to evoke ancient Roman civic virtues, aligning with the new political order and its revolutionary ideals.

Technical/Grading: Struck in copper, this 4.89 gram, 24 mm coin often exhibits variable strike quality, common for emergency issues of the period. Key high-points for preservation include the individual rods of the fasces, the axe blade, and the folds of the Phrygian cap. On the reverse, the clarity of the lettering and the intricate details of the laurel wreath are crucial. Due to the soft nature of copper, these coins are frequently found with signs of circulation wear, often obscuring finer details and leading to planchet imperfections or corrosion.