Catalog
| Issuer | Italy, Napoleonic Kingdom of |
|---|---|
| Year | 1808-1814 |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Value | 10 Soldi (0.5) |
| Currency | Lira (1807-1814) |
| Composition | Silver (.900) |
| Weight | 2.5 g |
| Diameter | 18 mm |
| Thickness | |
| Shape | Round |
| Technique | Milled |
| Orientation | Coin alignment ↑↓ |
| Engraver(s) | Luigi Manfredini |
| In circulation to | |
| Reference(s) | C#6 |
| Obverse description | Portrait right, date below |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Latin |
| Obverse lettering |
NAPOLEONE IMPERATORE E RE 1810 (Translation: Napoleon, emperor and king) |
| Reverse description | Seven-pointed crown above value. |
| Reverse script | Latin |
| Reverse lettering |
REGNO D`ITALIA 10.SOLDI M (Translation: Italian Kingdom) |
| Edge | Stars |
| Mint | |
| Mintage |
1808 M - (fr) étoiles sur la tranche en relief - C#6.1 - 174 948 1808 M - (fr) étoiles sur la tranche non relief - C#6.1 - 1809 M - C#6.1 (Milan) - 426 014 1810 M - C#6.1 (Milan) - 549 988 1811 M - C#6.1 (Milan) - 2 044 478 1811 V - C#6.2 (Venice) - 310 000 1812 B - /M - C#6.3 (Bologna) - 15 000 1812 B - C#6.3 (Bologna) - 18 000 1812 M - C#6.1 (Milan) - 608 306 1812 V - C#6.2 (Venice) - 166 654 1813 B - C#6.3 (Bologna) - 351 273 1813 M - C#6.1 (Milan) - 490 834 1813 V - C#6.2 (Venice) - 332 000 1814 M - C#6.1 (Milan) - 450 000 |
| Numisquare ID | 1482245270 |
| Additional information |
Historical Context: The 10 Soldi of Napoleon I, issued by the Napoleonic Kingdom of Italy between 1808 and 1814, marks a pivotal era. As King of Italy, Napoleon aimed to unify and modernize the disparate Italian states under French hegemony. This coinage, part of a broader monetary reform, standardized currency across the kingdom, replacing diverse regional issues with a decimal system based on the Lira and Soldi, thereby solidifying French influence and administrative control.
Artistry: The design of this 10 Soldi exemplifies the Neoclassical style prevalent during the Napoleonic period. While specific engraver details for every denomination can be elusive, the general artistic direction from the Milan Mint, likely under the influence of chief engravers like Luigi Manfredini, is evident. The obverse features a finely rendered laureate bust of Napoleon I, portraying imperial gravitas. The reverse typically displays the denomination and date encircled by a wreath, surmounted by a crown, reflecting the regal authority of the Kingdom of Italy.
Technical/Grading: This small silver coin, 18mm in diameter and 2.5 grams, often exhibits varying strike quality. Key high-points for assessing wear and strike include the intricate details of Napoleon's hair and the individual leaves of the laurel wreath on the obverse. On the reverse, the definition of the crown and the texture of the wreath are critical. Early strikes tend to show sharper detail, while later strikes or those from worn dies may present weakness, particularly on the highest relief areas. Minor planchet imperfections are not uncommon.