Catalog
| Obverse description | Circular legend surrounded by beading, armored bust of Filoppo Spinola on the right. |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Latin |
| Obverse lettering | PHILIPPVS D G TASS COMES |
| Reverse description | Circular legend and date surrounded by beading, crowned coat of arms with a fleur-de-lis, containing three fleurs-de-lis and a point on each side, without label. |
| Reverse script | Latin |
| Reverse lettering | IN * TE * DOMINE * SPERAVI * 1665 |
| Edge | |
| Mint | |
| Mintage |
1665 - - |
| Numisquare ID | 1718369670 |
| Additional information |
Historical Context: The 1665 luigino of Filippo Spinola hails from the County of Tassarolo, a small Imperial Fief in Liguria, Italy. Filippo Spinola, of the prominent Genoese family, exercised his feudal right to mint coinage, a common prerogative among independent territories in 17th-century Italy. This period saw numerous Italian states producing luigini, direct imitations of the French louis d'argent, primarily for lucrative Levantine trade. This coin highlights Tassarolo's role in the complex monetary landscape and economic aspirations.
Artistry: While the engraver remains anonymous, the coin's design reflects the prevailing Baroque aesthetic of 17th-century Italian numismatics. The obverse typically features a laureate or draped bust of Filippo Spinola, rendered with the stylized formality characteristic of the period's portraiture. The reverse invariably displays the intricate Spinola family coat of arms, often surmounted by a comital crown, symbolizing the issuer's sovereignty. The execution, though less refined than major state mints, reflects regional artistic sensibilities.
Technical/Grading: Struck in silver to 2.37 grams and 20 millimeters, this luigino exhibits typical manufacturing characteristics for a small, active mint. Key high-points for assessing strike quality include the hair and facial features on the obverse portrait, and the intricate details of the heraldic elements and crown on the reverse. Strike pressure often varied; thus, examples retaining full detail on high-points and showing minimal weakness are highly desirable. Planchet quality can also vary, with minor flaws or unevenness occasionally present.