1 Ducato `Ongaro` - Agostino Spinola

Historical Context: Agostino Spinola ruled the County of Tassarolo, an Imperial Fief within the fragmented Italian States, from 1604 to 1616. This period saw numerous minor principalities asserting their sovereignty, often through the prerogative of coinage. The 1 Ducato ‘Ongaro’ reflects Tassarolo’s economic participation and Spinola’s authority, adopting the widely accepted Hungarian ducat standard for international trade. Such issues underscored the ruler's prestige and the fief's relative independence from larger powers, positioning Tassarolo within the broader European commercial network.

Artistry: While the engraver remains uncredited, the coin’s design adheres to the late Renaissance numismatic aesthetic prevalent in northern Italy, transitioning towards early Baroque elements. The obverse typically features a dignified bust of Agostino Spinola, rendered with attention to contemporary portraiture conventions, often facing right. The reverse commonly displays the intricate Spinola family coat of arms, surmounted by a coronet or ducal cap, symbolizing the family's lineage and ducal status within the Holy Roman Empire. The execution exhibits clear lines and robust forms characteristic of the era's craftsmanship.

Technical/Grading: This gold ducato, weighing 3.29 grams and measuring 24 mm, typically presents a strong strike on its flan. High-points for wear are usually found on Spinola’s hair and facial features on the obverse, and the uppermost elements of the coronet and central devices of the shield on the reverse. Minor planchet imperfections or slight off-centering are common for issues of this period due to manual production. Collectors should seek examples with full details on the heraldic elements and a well-defined portrait, indicative of a superior strike and minimal circulation.