1 Quattrino - Sixtus V S P FANVM FORTVNE

Historical Context: Issued under Pope Sixtus V (Felice Peretti, 1585-1590), this 1 Quattrino from Fano belongs to a period of robust papal administration and financial reform within the Papal States. Sixtus V was a formidable ruler, known for his ambition to restore papal authority and wealth. This copper denomination, struck for the city of Fano, underscores the Pope's suzerainty over his territories while also acknowledging local identity through its specific legend, a common practice for regional mints within the ecclesiastical state.

Artistry: The design of this modest copper coin, while lacking the intricate detail of larger silver or gold issues, adheres to the functional aesthetics of late 16th-century Italian minting. Though no specific engraver is recorded for such small denominations, the obverse would typically feature elements identifying Sixtus V, such as his coat of arms or a stylized tiara and keys. The reverse is distinguished by the legend 'S P FANVM FORTVNE', referencing Fano's ancient Roman name, Fanum Fortunae, and its civic identity, likely encircling a simple local emblem or cross.

Technical/Grading: As a small copper issue, weighing 0.55 grams and measuring 15 millimeters, the 1 Quattrino exhibits typical characteristics of utilitarian coinage from the era. High-points susceptible to wear would include the details of any papal insignia, such as the tiara's ornamentation or the key bows, and any central device on the reverse. Production quality often varied; collectors may encounter examples with irregular flans, off-center strikes, or weakly defined legends, reflecting the limitations of contemporary minting technology for base metal issues.