1 cavallotto - Francesco Guglielmo Malaspina

Historical Context: The 1594 cavallotto of Tresana was issued under Francesco Guglielmo Malaspina, a scion of the influential Malaspina family controlling numerous small marquisates in the Lunigiana region. As a minor fiefdom within the Holy Roman Empire, Tresana exercised coinage rights, a crucial assertion of its semi-independent status. The late 16th century saw many small Italian states issue their own currency, reflecting economic necessity for local trade and political prestige amidst a fragmented peninsula.

Artistry: The design of this cavallotto, typical of provincial Italian mints, would have reflected the prevailing late Renaissance style. Engravers in smaller mints often worked within local traditions, perhaps influenced by larger Italian centers but with a distinct, sometimes less refined, regional character. Common motifs included the ruler's bust or armorial bearings, often accompanied by a patron saint or specific symbols. The "cavallotto" denomination, historically depicting a horseman, frequently retained only the name, with actual design varying.

Technical/Grading: Struck in silver, weighing 2.05 grams and measuring 22 millimeters, this cavallotto exhibits characteristics typical of small mint production. High-points for wear generally include the hair and facial features of any portraiture, or the raised elements of a coat of arms, such as crowns or animal figures. Technical strike qualities often reveal variability; planchets could be irregularly shaped or of inconsistent thickness, leading to off-center strikes or weak impressions, particularly on the periphery.