1 Ducat - Paul II

Historical Context: This 1 Ducat coin was issued from Bologna during the pontificate of Pope Paul II (Pietro Barbo), who reigned from 1464 to 1471. His papacy, occurring in the nascent stages of the Italian Renaissance, was marked by significant artistic patronage, political consolidation within the Papal States, and efforts to counter Ottoman expansion. Bologna, a strategically vital city, functioned as a semi-autonomous territory under ultimate papal suzerainty, and its mint produced coinage affirming this authority and contributing to the era's robust gold trade economy.

Artistry: The design of this ducat reflects the early Renaissance artistic sensibilities prevalent in Italy. While a specific engraver is not commonly attributed, the mint workshop would have adhered to the stylistic currents of the period. The obverse typically features the elaborate papal arms of Paul II, often displaying his family's lion rampant motif, surrounded by his pontifical title. The reverse generally depicts Saint Peter standing, holding his keys, a traditional representation of papal authority, accompanied by the legend identifying the mint city of Bologna.

Technical/Grading: Struck in gold to a consistent weight standard of 3.35 grams and a diameter of 20.5 millimeters, this ducat exhibits the typical strike characteristics of its era. Key high-points susceptible to wear include the raised elements of the papal tiara or lion's head on the arms, and the facial features, hands, and drapery folds of Saint Peter. Due to the malleability of gold, well-preserved examples often retain significant mint luster. Planchets, while generally round, may display minor irregularities, and die alignment can vary, common for hand-struck coinage.