1 Grosso - Anibaldi-Stefaneschi

Historical Context: This 1 Grosso, issued by the Papal States between 1300 and 1350, represents a fascinating period of political complexity in Rome. While nominally under papal suzerainty, the city often saw powerful Roman noble families, such as the Anibaldi and Stefaneschi, exert significant administrative and even minting authority, particularly during periods of papal weakness or absence, like the early Avignon Papacy. These issues reflect the Senate of Rome’s assertion of communal governance, with the named senators acting as conservators or caporioni, underscoring the enduring influence of the Roman aristocracy in the city's secular affairs, even as the Papacy maintained its spiritual and temporal claims.

Artistry: The design of this grosso, as cataloged by Berman#126, adheres to the established numismatic traditions of medieval Rome, yet distinctively features the names of the issuing senators. Typically, the obverse displays a seated figure, often interpreted as St. Peter or the Pope, surrounded by the names of the Anibaldi and Stefaneschi family members holding senatorial office. The reverse commonly depicts a prominent cross, frequently accompanied by symbols of the Church or Rome, such as the keys of St. Peter, and legends proclaiming ROMA CAPUT MUNDI. The stylistic school is characteristic of early 14th-century Italian minting, emphasizing clear, albeit somewhat schematic, religious and civic iconography.

Technical/Grading: Struck in silver with a weight of 1.73 grams, this grosso exhibits typical medieval minting characteristics. High-points for wear and strike quality are generally the central seated figure’s head and hands on the obverse, and the central elements of the cross on the reverse. Due to the technology of the era, examples often present with irregular flans, variable striking pressure leading to areas of weakness, and off-center strikes. Full, crisp legends are highly desirable but rarely encountered. Grading focuses on the legibility of the senatorial names and central devices, with minor planchet imperfections and striking inconsistencies being common and expected for issues of this period.