1/4 Lira - Franz I

Emittente Lombardy-Venetia, Kingdom of
Anno 1822-1824
Tipo Standard circulation coin
Valore 1/4 Lira
Valuta Scudo (1815-1862)
Composizione Silver (.600)
Peso 1.62 g
Diametro 16 mm
Spessore
Forma Round
Tecnica Milled
Orientamento Medal alignment ↑↑
Incisore/i
In circolazione fino al
Riferimento/i C#4
Descrizione del dritto Laureate bust facing right.
Scrittura del dritto Latin
Legenda del dritto FRANCISCVS I·D·G·AVSTRIAE IMPERATOR·
(Translation: Franz I, by God`s grace Austrian Emperor)
Descrizione del rovescio Crowned arms. In the legend the date and at the bottom the value.
Scrittura del rovescio Latin
Legenda del rovescio LOMB·ET VEN· REX·A·A·1823· 1/4 LIRA
(Translation: Lombard and Venetian king, Archduke of Austria)
Bordo Plain
Zecca A
Münze Österreich, Vienna, Austria(1194-date)
M
Milan, Italy
V
Venice, Italy (1172)
Tiratura 1822 A - C# 4.1 -
1822 M - C# 4.2 -
1822 V - C# 4.3 -
1823 A - C# 4.1 -
1823 M - C# 4.2 -
1823 M - C# 4.2 -
1823 V - C# 4.3 -
1824 M - C# 4.2 -
1824 V - C# 4.3 -
ID Numisquare 1461939270
Informazioni aggiuntive

Historical Context: This 1/4 Lira, issued 1822-1824, signifies Austrian rule over northern Italy following the Congress of Vienna. Emperor Franz I, as King of Lombardy-Venetia, consolidated Habsburg authority. The Lira system integrated the region economically, standardizing coinage linked to the Austrian gulden. This era focused on stabilizing the post-Napoleonic landscape and asserting imperial control via economic and administrative reforms.

Artistry: The 1/4 Lira exemplifies the Neoclassical style of early 19th-century European coinage. Though specific engraver attribution for minor denominations is often unrecorded, master engravers at imperial mints executed the work. The obverse features a dignified, laureate bust of Franz I, facing right, rendered with classical restraint. The reverse displays "1/4 LIRA" and the date within an elegant wreath, surmounted by the imperial crown. This composition emphasizes clarity and imperial authority.

Technical/Grading: Struck in .600 fine silver, this 16mm, 1.62-gram coin presents specific technical considerations. High-points prone to wear on the obverse include Franz I's hair, laurel wreath, and shoulder drapery. On the reverse, wear manifests on the central crown and wreath leaves. Due to its small flan and mass production, examples often exhibit strike weakness, particularly on peripheral legends or fine laureate and wreath details. Well-preserved specimens show sharp details and original cartwheel luster, often with a reeded edge.

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