15 Ducati - Ferdinando I

Historical Context: The 1818 15 Ducati coin was issued during the reign of Ferdinando I, King of the Two Sicilies. This period marked a significant post-Napoleonic restoration, as Ferdinando, having previously ruled as Ferdinand IV of Naples and III of Sicily, formally unified his realms in 1816 to create the new Kingdom of the Two Sicilies. This coinage, therefore, represents the early monetary expression of this consolidated monarchy, symbolizing stability and renewed Bourbon authority after decades of revolutionary upheaval and French occupation. The 15 Ducati, a substantial gold denomination, underscored the kingdom's economic aspirations and the monarch's re-established sovereignty.

Artistry: The design of the 1818 15 Ducati is firmly rooted in the Neoclassical style prevalent across Europe following the Napoleonic Wars. While a specific engraver is not universally attributed for every die, the court engravers of the Naples Mint, influenced by figures such as Filippo Rega, adhered to this aesthetic. The obverse typically features a finely rendered, idealized laureate bust of Ferdinando I, facing right, embodying classical imperial portraiture. The reverse displays the grand crowned shield of the House of Bourbon-Two Sicilies, often supported by allegorical figures or lions, encircled by a royal mantle, reflecting the kingdom's regal pomp and heraldic tradition with balanced composition and crisp detailing.

Technical/Grading: Struck in high-purity gold (.996 fine), this 15 Ducati coin, weighing 18.93 grams and measuring 29.5 millimeters, typically exhibits a strong strike. Key high-points for grading include the intricate details of Ferdinando I's hair and laurel wreath on the obverse, and the fine elements of the crown, the armorial bearings on the shield, and any supporting figures on the reverse. Collectors should examine these areas for full definition, as even on well-preserved examples, slight softness in the highest relief points or field chatter can occur. The high gold purity generally allowed for excellent metal flow, contributing to sharp details when the dies were fresh.