1 Fiorino largo

Historical Context: This 1 Fiorino largo, struck in 1473 by the Republic of Florence, dates to a period when the city-state was under de facto control of the Medici family, specifically Lorenzo de' Medici, "the Magnificent." The Florentine Fiorino was the gold standard of its era, renowned across Europe for its consistent weight and exceptional .999 fine gold purity. Its widespread acceptance facilitated international trade, solidifying Florence's economic dominance and cultural preeminence during the Italian Renaissance.

Artistry: The 1473 Fiorino largo reflects early Renaissance aesthetics. No specific engraver is typically attributed; designs were executed by mint officials or artists adhering to established iconography. The obverse features the Florentine lily, symbol of the city, usually with "FLOR-ENTIA." The reverse depicts St. John the Baptist, Florence's patron saint, standing with his staff, encircled by "S. IOHANNES B." This enduring design emphasized stability and trust in Florentine commerce.

Technical/Grading: Struck in .999 fine gold and weighing 3.46 grams, this Fiorino exemplifies Florentine mint standards. High-points for wear/strike include the central lily petals on the obverse, and on the reverse, St. John's facial features, hair, and drapery folds. Hand-striking often results in minor planchet irregularities or slight off-centering. A strong strike yields sharp legend details and clear rendition of St. John's attributes, though full definition on highest relief elements can vary.