1 Quattrino - Gregory XIII S PETRVS FANVM

Historical Context: Issued under Gregory XIII (Ugo Boncompagni), whose pontificate (1572-1585) was marked by post-Tridentine reform, the establishment of the Gregorian calendar, and persistent financial pressures on the Papal States. Fano, a significant city within the March of Ancona, operated a mint under papal authority, producing low-denomination coinage crucial for local commerce. The "S PETRVS FANVM" inscription explicitly links the coin to the city and the ultimate patron of the Papacy, asserting both local identity and overarching papal sovereignty during a period of consolidation for the ecclesiastical state. Quattrini, as billon issues, served the daily transactional needs of the populace, often minted in considerable quantities to meet demand.

Artistry: For these small-denomination billon issues from Fano, specific engraver attribution is exceedingly rare; the style reflects the prevailing late Renaissance Papal minting aesthetic, albeit simplified for mass production. The obverse typically features the papal tiara and crossed keys, often with Gregory XIII's name or title. The reverse, indicated by "S PETRVS FANVM," most likely depicts a bust of Saint Peter or his symbolic keys, possibly within a cartouche or surrounded by the legend. Execution quality for such base metal coinage tends to be utilitarian, prioritizing legibility and symbolic representation over intricate artistic detail, a common characteristic of regional Papal mints.

Technical/Grading: This 1 Quattrino, struck in billon (0.57 gg, 17 mm), presents distinct grading challenges. High points for wear include the details of the papal tiara and the key teeth on the obverse. On the reverse, critical elements are the facial features of Saint Peter (if present) or the definition of the key bows and wards. Due to the billon composition, coins frequently exhibit surface porosity, corrosion, and weak strikes, leading to incomplete legends or off-center flans. A well-centered strike with full, legible legends and clear definition of the central devices, particularly the saint's features or key details, represents a premium example for this type.