1 Quattrino - Benedict XIV St. Ubaldo

Historical Context: The 1 Quattrino of Gubbio, issued under Pope Benedict XIV (Prospero Lambertini, 1740-1758), reflects a period of intellectual reform within the Papal States. Gubbio, a city in Umbria, maintained minting rights, signifying local autonomy. The coin’s dedication to Saint Ubaldo, Gubbio's revered patron, underscores strong regional identity and religious devotion. This low-denomination copper coinage was essential for daily transactions across the Papal territories, facilitating commerce for the populace under a papacy known for its enlightened administration and scholarly pursuits.

Artistry: While specific engravers for provincial copper issues are rarely documented, the design adheres to the prevailing late Baroque aesthetic, simplified for a small denomination. The obverse typically features the Papal arms, often incorporating the Lambertini family escutcheon beneath the Papal tiara and crossed keys, symbolizing papal authority. The reverse invariably depicts Saint Ubaldo, usually standing, clad in episcopal vestments, holding a crozier, and with his identifying mitre, a direct appeal to local veneration and religious identity. The overall style prioritizes legibility over intricate detail.

Technical/Grading: This copper quattrino, weighing 1.7 grams and measuring 21 millimeters, often exhibits typical challenges of provincial copper coinage. High-points susceptible to wear include the Papal tiara and keys on the obverse, and Saint Ubaldo’s facial features, mitre, and vestment folds on the reverse. Planchet quality varies, and weak strikes are common, particularly at the peripheries, making well-centered and fully struck examples with sharp details highly desirable. Corrosion and surface imperfections are also frequently encountered, impacting overall preservation and eye appeal.