1 Follaro - Robert Guiscard Cityscape

Emitent Apulia and Calabria (Italian States)
Rok 1076-1085
Typ Standard circulation coin
Nominał Follaro
Waluta Tari
Skład Bronze
Waga 5 g
Średnica 27 mm
Grubość
Kształt Round (irregular)
Technika Hammered
Orientacja Coin alignment ↑↓
Rytownik(zy)
W obiegu do
Źródło(a) Spahr1#53, MIR SIC#17, MEC XIV#164
Opis awersu Mid-length crowned and diademed bust of Robert facing, holding scepter over right shoulder and globus in left hand.
Pismo awersu
Legenda awersu
Opis rewersu Arcade with three towers above, lettering in exergue.
Pismo rewersu Latin
Legenda rewersu VICTORI
A
Krawędź
Mennica Salerno, Italy
Nakład ND (1076-1085)
ID Numisquare 4348066542
Dodatkowe informacje

Historical Context: The 1 Follaro – Robert Guiscard Cityscape, issued by the Duchy of Apulia and Calabria (1076-1085), marks a pivotal era in Southern Italian history. Robert Guiscard, the formidable Norman duke, largely consolidated his conquests, establishing a powerful state that prefigured the Kingdom of Sicily. This coinage asserts Norman sovereignty, replacing previous Byzantine and Lombard monetary systems. It reflects Guiscard's authority and the nascent political stability under his rule, a distinct break from prior regional powers.

Artistry: The follaro's design, anonymously engraved, blends early medieval stylistic influences. The obverse features a stylized cityscape, often interpreted as Salerno or Bari, surmounted by a cross on steps. This imagery is deeply symbolic, representing the fortified strength of the Norman dominion and its Christian foundation. The artistic execution, typical of early medieval mints, combines late Byzantine formal elements with a nascent Western Romanesque aesthetic, creating a unique Italo-Norman numismatic style.

Technical/Grading: Technical strike qualities for this medieval bronze follaro are highly variable. High-points prone to wear and strike weakness include the cityscape's roofs and towers, the cross, and surrounding legends. Collectors should seek examples with a strong, centralized strike, clear architectural details, and legible legends, often partially off-flan or weakly impressed. Planchets are frequently irregular, and surface preservation varies widely. A well-struck, fully detailed specimen is rare and highly prized.

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