1 Doppia - Carlo Spinola

Historical Context: This 1699 1 Doppia, issued under Carlo Spinola, represents a fascinating assertion of sovereignty by a minor feudal entity within the complex tapestry of the Italian States. The Spinola family, a prominent Genoese aristocratic house, held the County of Ronco Scrivia as a significant feudal possession. Issuing its own gold coinage underscored Carlo Spinola's autonomous rights and economic standing in an era marked by shifting regional powers and the impending War of the Spanish Succession. Such emissions by smaller lordships provided vital currency for local trade and symbolized their prestige amidst larger, consolidating states.

Artistry: The artistic execution of this Doppia aligns with the late Baroque numismatic style prevalent across northern Italy during the late 17th century. While specific engravers for the Ronco mint are not consistently documented, the dies were likely crafted by a skilled local artisan or commissioned from a larger regional center, such as Genoa. The obverse typically features a formalized, often idealized bust of Carlo Spinola, reflecting contemporary portraiture conventions. The reverse prominently displays the intricate Spinola family arms, serving as a powerful heraldic declaration of dynastic authority and lineage.

Technical/Grading: For optimal grading, collectors should meticulously examine the highest points of the obverse effigy, specifically Carlo Spinola's hair, forehead, nose, and the highest folds of any drapery or armor, where wear first manifests. On the reverse, critical areas include the intricate details of the Spinola escutcheon, including its charges and the crown above, which must exhibit minimal abrasion. The legends and the precise date (1699) must be fully legible. Planchet quality, strike sharpness, and the presence of any original mint luster, though often subdued on period gold, are paramount for high-grade specimens.