1 Quattrino - Carlo Malatesta

Historical Context: This 1 Quattrino coin was issued under Carlo Malatesta, Lord of Rimini, during a tumultuous period spanning 1385-1429. Carlo, a renowned condottiero, navigated the complex political landscape of the Italian States, asserting Rimini's sovereignty amidst conflicts with the Papacy and neighboring powers. As a low-denomination billon coin, the Quattrino was essential for daily transactions, reflecting the economic necessities and the Malatesta lordship's authority to mint currency within their domain. Its issuance underscores the fragmented nature of late medieval Italy and the rise of powerful regional signorie.

Artistry: The engraver of this Quattrino remains anonymous, typical for coinage of this era and denomination. The design adheres to a provincial late Gothic Italian style, characterized by its functional simplicity rather than elaborate artistic detail. Common motifs for such issues include a prominent cross, often pattee or potent, on one side, and the Malatesta family's heraldic eagle or a monogram of Carlo Malatesta on the reverse. The overall aesthetic reflects the practical demands of mass production in a regional mint, prioritizing legibility and recognition over intricate sculptural quality.

Technical/Grading: Struck in billon, with a weight of 0.8 grams and a diameter of 17 millimeters, this Quattrino typically exhibits the technical limitations of its period. High points susceptible to wear include the central elements of the cross and any raised features of the eagle or monogram. Strikes are frequently irregular, often off-center, and on crudely prepared, sometimes irregular, planchets. The billon alloy, a base silver mixture, contributes to its susceptibility to corrosion and often results in a somewhat weak or uneven strike, making well-centered, fully struck examples quite scarce.