1 Denaro - Joanna I

Historical Context: This 1 Denaro (1343-1347) marks the turbulent dawn of Joanna I's reign over Naples. Succeeding Robert of Anjou, her early rule saw profound instability: her husband Andrew of Hungary's 1345 assassination and a subsequent Hungarian invasion. This billon denomination provided essential small change, reflecting economic pressures and daily needs of a kingdom embroiled in mid-14th century conflicts.

Artistry: Individual engravers for medieval billon coinage of this period are rarely identifiable. The 1 Denaro's artistry follows the late medieval Angevin numismatic tradition in Southern Italy. Designs featured simplified royal monograms or heraldic devices. Given its small module and billon composition, the aesthetic prioritized functional clarity over ornate detail, characteristic of provincial minting, communicating royal authority via accessible, crude iconography.

Technical/Grading: Due to its diminutive size (15 mm), light weight (0.6 gg), and billon composition, high-grade examples are scarce. Key grading points include sharpness/completeness of central devices (e.g., monogram or crown), often weakly struck. Legibility of surrounding legends, frequently incomplete or worn, is paramount. Planchet quality, typically irregular and prone to porosity or pitting, significantly impacts grade. Well-centered strikes, showcasing the full design, are highly desirable for this often off-center type.