Catalog
| Obverse description | Laureate head of Ferdinand of Habsburg facing right, GM below. Legend for `F. Dei Gratia Austriae Imperator Hungariae Bohemiae Rex Hujus Nominis Quintus` |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Latin |
| Obverse lettering |
FERD. I. D. G. AVSTR. IMP. HVNG. BOH. R. H. N. V. (Translation: Ferdinand I, by the grace of God, Austrian Emperor, King of Hungary, Bohemia, fifth of that name.) |
| Reverse description | Crowned imperial eagle, shield of manifold arms on breast, date at end of legend. |
| Reverse script | Latin |
| Reverse lettering |
REX. LOMB. ET. VEN. DALM. - GAL. LOD. ILL. A. A. (Translation: King of Lombardy and Venetia, Dalmatia, Galicia and Lodomeria, Illyria, Archduke of Austria.) |
| Edge | |
| Mint |
G.M Mantua, Italy |
| Mintage |
1848 G.M - - 3 947 |
| Numisquare ID | 1253358180 |
| Additional information |
Historical Context: This 1 Fiorino coin, issued in 1848 for Mantua, reflects the turbulent reign of Emperor Ferdinand I of Austria over the Kingdom of Lombardy-Venetia. Mantua, a crucial Austrian fortress, was a focal point during the "Spring of Nations" revolutions of 1848. This year saw widespread uprisings against Austrian rule in Italy, directly preceding Ferdinand I's abdication. The coin thus stands as a tangible symbol of imperial authority amidst intense nationalist fervor and political upheaval.
Artistry: While the specific engraver for this issue is not individually attributed, the coin adheres to the prevailing Neoclassical and Biedermeier stylistic traditions of the Austrian Imperial Mint. The obverse typically features a dignified, laureate bust of Emperor Ferdinand I, rendered with classical idealism and restrained realism. The reverse proudly displays the double-headed Habsburg imperial eagle, often crowned and bearing shields, symbolizing the vast reach of the empire. The overall design emphasizes imperial power and continuity through balanced composition and clear, legible legends.
Technical/Grading: Struck in .833 fine silver, this 1 Fiorino typically exhibits good strike quality for its era. Key high-points for wear include the emperor's hair and laurel wreath on the obverse, and the crowns and wingtips of the imperial eagle on the reverse. The finer details of the eagle's feathers and the emperor's facial features are often the first to show weakness or flattening. Collectors should also inspect for typical circulation marks, such as bag marks or rim dings, which are common for silver coinage of this size and period.