12 Tari - Ferdinando III

Historical Context: This 12 Tari coin, issued 1805-1810, represents the Kingdom of Sicily under Ferdinando III during a profoundly turbulent era. Following Napoleon's conquest of Naples in 1806, Ferdinando (also Ferdinand IV of Naples) retreated to Sicily, which remained a Bourbon stronghold under British protection. The issuance of this substantial silver denomination underscored the island's economic autonomy and strategic importance as the last Bourbon bastion against Napoleonic expansion in Italy.

Artistry: The coin's design adheres to the late Neoclassical style prevalent across Europe, executed with a distinctive Sicilian character. While specific engraver names are not always universally attributed, the Palermo Mint's chief engraver would have been responsible. The obverse typically features a laureate bust of Ferdinando III, presenting a regal and idealized profile. The reverse commonly displays a crowned eagle with spread wings, often clutching a fasces or scepter, a traditional heraldic motif for the Kingdom of Sicily. The aesthetic emphasizes formal authority and dynastic continuity.

Technical/Grading: Struck from .833 fine silver on a substantial 38mm flan weighing 27.533 grams, these 12 Tari pieces often exhibit strike variations. Key high-points for wear or weakness include the hair details and laurel wreath on the obverse portrait, and the eagle's breast feathers and crown elements on the reverse. Planchet quality can vary, sometimes showing minor laminations or irregularities. While generally well-centered, some examples may display slight off-centering or peripheral weakness, typical of the era's minting technology.