1 Ducat, Ongaro - Agostino Spinola

Historical Context: The 1 Ducat, Ongaro of Agostino Spinola was issued by the County of Tassarolo between 1604 and 1614. Tassarolo, a minor sovereign entity within the Holy Roman Empire, was tied to the powerful Spinola family of Genoa. As Marquis, Agostino Spinola used coinage to assert economic and political autonomy, a common practice among Italian princely states during the early 17th century, facilitating commerce and underscoring his prestige in a fragmented geopolitical landscape.

Artistry: The engraver of this ducat remains largely anonymous, likely a skilled artisan from a regional Italian mint, influenced by Genoa or Milan. The design adheres to the late Renaissance and nascent Baroque aesthetic, blending classical proportionality with emerging naturalistic detail. The obverse typically presents a dignified bust of Agostino Spinola, often in profile, while the reverse commonly features a standing religious figure, such as St. John the Baptist, or a detailed coat of arms, emblematic of the county’s heritage.

Technical/Grading: As a hand-struck gold coin, Tassarolo Ducats exhibit inherent variations in strike quality and centering. Key high-points susceptible to wear include the Marquis's hair and nose on the obverse, and the saint's facial features, hands, and drapery folds, or central shield elements, on the reverse. A premium example displays a sharp strike with full details, clear legends, and minimal planchet irregularities. Original mint luster, often a satiny or semi-prooflike sheen, is highly desirable but rarely preserved.