1 Follaro 2nd type

Historical Context: The 1 Follaro 2nd type, issued by the City of Cattaro (modern Kotor, Montenegro) between 1200 and 1420, represents a crucial period in the city's medieval autonomy and economic prosperity. During this era, Cattaro, a vital Adriatic port, navigated complex political allegiances, often balancing Venetian and Serbian influence while maintaining significant self-governance, including the right to mint its own coinage. The Follaro, a small copper denomination, served as the backbone of daily commerce, facilitating local trade and transactions within the city and its immediate hinterland. Its issuance underscores Cattaro's status as an independent economic entity and its strategic importance in the medieval Balkan and Adriatic trade networks.

Artistry: The artistry of the 1 Follaro 2nd type, while typical of medieval civic issues, reflects the prevailing stylistic schools of the Adriatic region, influenced by Byzantine and later Venetian numismatic traditions. Engravers for such small copper denominations were generally unnamed artisans working within the city's mint. The "2nd type" designation suggests a refinement or alteration from an earlier design, possibly improving clarity or updating iconography. Given the coin's modest size and material, designs were often simplified, typically featuring a cross or a patron saint (such as Saint Tryphon, Cattaro's patron) on the obverse, and a civic monogram, architectural element, or another religious symbol on the reverse. These designs, though sometimes crude, were functional and recognizable for their intended purpose.

Technical/Grading: Weighing approximately 0.60 grams and struck in copper, the 1 Follaro 2nd type is a diminutive coin, presenting distinct technical and grading challenges. High-points for preservation would typically include the central elements of the design, such as the cross or the facial features of a saint, if present, as these areas received the most direct strike pressure. Technical strike qualities are often highly variable; medieval copper follari are frequently characterized by weak, off-center strikes, and irregular planchets, leading to incomplete details or missing legends. A well-centered strike with clear, legible devices on both sides is rare. Furthermore, copper coins from this period are susceptible to environmental degradation, with corrosion and pitting being common issues affecting their overall preservation and grade.