1 Bolognino - Francesco Sforza

Historical Context: This Bolognino, issued by Fermo between 1434 and 1446, encapsulates a turbulent period in central Italian history under the rising influence of Francesco Sforza. Not yet Duke of Milan, Sforza was a formidable condottiero who established a significant lordship in the Marches, often in defiance of Papal authority. Fermo, a strategic city in the Papal States, fell under his control during these years, serving as a vital base for his military campaigns and territorial expansion. The issuance of coinage bearing his name or symbols was a powerful assertion of his de facto sovereignty, funding his mercenary armies and legitimizing his rule amidst constant warfare and shifting allegiances in the fragmented Italian peninsula.

Artistry: Specific engravers for Bolognini from Fermo during this period are generally not documented, reflecting the common practice of the era where mint masters oversaw production rather than individual artists signing dies. The stylistic school adheres to late medieval Italian numismatic traditions, characterized by a pragmatic focus on clear legends and recognizable heraldic or religious iconography. Designs, while sometimes crude by later standards, prioritize legibility and symbolic representation over intricate artistic detail. Expect a somewhat schematic rendering of any central device, often a cross, saint, or ducal arms, framed by Latin legends identifying the issuer and authority.

Technical/Grading: For this silver Bolognino (1.0 gg, 18 mm), key grading points revolve around the clarity of the legends and the definition of the central devices. High-points for wear typically include the central elements of any cross or heraldic device, and the highest relief points of any bust or figure if present. Legibility of the issuer's name (FRANCISCVS SFORTIA or similar) and the city's designation (FIRMI) is paramount. Given the period's minting techniques, expect irregular flan shapes and potentially uneven strikes. Strong strikes will show full, clear legends and well-defined central motifs, with minimal planchet flaws or double striking.