1 Grosso - Federico II

Historical Context: This 1 Grosso, issued by the Duchy of Modena and Reggio between 1226 and 1293, directly references the formidable Holy Roman Emperor Federico II Hohenstaufen. Though Federico II passed away in 1250, his profound influence and imperial authority continued to be commemorated on coinage in imperial fiefs like Modena and Reggio for decades. The introduction of the grosso, a heavier silver denomination, signifies the burgeoning economic prosperity and increasing commercial activity in Northern Italy during the High Middle Ages, a period defined by intense power struggles between the Papacy and the Empire.

Artistry: While specific engravers for this period typically remain anonymous, the coin's design would have embodied the transitional Romanesque-Gothic aesthetic prevalent in 13th-century Italian minting. Typical grossi of this era often feature a prominent central cross on the obverse, symbolizing Christian faith, complemented by an imperial eagle or a monarch's bust on the reverse, asserting secular authority. The artistry would have been executed with robust, albeit sometimes simplified, lines characteristic of early medieval numismatic art, prioritizing symbolic clarity over intricate detail.

Technical/Grading: Struck in silver, weighing 1.43 grams and measuring 19 millimeters, this grosso exhibits typical medieval minting characteristics. High-points most susceptible to wear would include the central elements of any cross, the crown or facial features of a bust, or the wingtips of an imperial eagle. Common technical strike qualities include irregular flan shapes, off-center strikes, and areas of weak impression, particularly at the periphery. A well-centered strike with full details on the central devices, free from significant planchet flaws, would command a premium.