1 Doppia - Ferdinando di Borbone

Historical Context: This 1 Doppia, issued 1786-1797, hails from the Duchy of Parma and Piacenza under Ferdinando di Borbone (Ferdinand I). Ruling 1765-1802, Ferdinand navigated Europe's tumultuous shift from Ancien Régime to Napoleonic era. A devout, conservative monarch, he largely preserved his small duchy's sovereignty amidst escalating external pressures. This gold Doppia represented a crucial high-value denomination, underscoring Parma's economic stability and its role in regional commerce during geopolitical change.

Artistry: The coin's design reflects the late 18th-century artistic transition from late Baroque to early Neoclassical aesthetics. While a specific engraver is unrecorded, the craftsmanship undoubtedly emanated from the Parma Mint's master artisan. The obverse presents a dignified bust of Ferdinando, typically facing right, characterized by meticulous detailing of his wig and drapery. The reverse commonly features the crowned ducal arms of Parma, executed with heraldic precision, symbolizing