1 Quattrino - Clement XII St. Paul - standing

Historical Context: This 1 Quattrino was issued under Pope Clement XII (Lorenzo Corsini), whose pontificate spanned 1730-1740, precisely matching the coin's production. Gubbio, a significant city within the Papal States, minted these copper denominations for local circulation, crucial for daily commerce. Clement XII's era focused on financial reform and public works. Even small denominations like this Quattrino were vital in asserting papal authority and economic presence across the diverse territories of the Holy See.

Artistry: The coin's reverse prominently features St. Paul standing, a common hagiographic motif in Papal coinage, typically depicted with his sword and book. While a specific engraver for Gubbio's low-denomination issues is often unrecorded, the stylistic school reflects the late Baroque aesthetic prevalent in Italian numismatic art of the early 18th century. This style blends classical influences with dynamic, detailed presentation. The obverse would usually display the Pope's coat of arms or bust, completing the iconography of spiritual and temporal authority.

Technical/Grading: Struck in copper, weighing 2.2 grams and measuring 21 mm, this Quattrino exhibits technical characteristics typical for fractional currency of its period. Key high-points for grading include St. Paul's facial details, drapery folds, and attribute definition. Given the soft metal and often less precise striking for low denominations, examples frequently show variable strike quality, minor planchet flaws, or slight off-centering. Wear commonly affects highest relief areas first, impacting clarity of legends and finer design elements.