2 Baiocchi

Historical Context: The 1798 2 Baiocchi coin encapsulates a pivotal moment in Italian history: the establishment of the short-lived Roman Republic. This revolutionary state, formed under the aegis of French Directory forces, marked the temporary overthrow of papal temporal power, specifically that of Pope Pius VI. It symbolizes the profound impact of the French Revolution on the Italian peninsula, ushering in a period of republican ideals and significant political upheaval, directly challenging the millennia-old authority of the Holy See.

Artistry: While the specific engraver remains largely unrecorded, the coin’s design adheres to the prevailing Neo-classical style, echoing the republican virtues and classical motifs favored during the revolutionary era. The obverse typically presents a fasces, symbolizing unity and authority, often surmounted by a Phrygian cap of liberty. The reverse usually displays the denomination "2 BAIOCCHI" and the date "1798" encircled by a laurel wreath, a traditional emblem of victory and civic honor, rendered with a direct, unembellished aesthetic.

Technical/Grading: Struck on a substantial 35mm copper flan weighing 16.16 grams, these large module coins often exhibit variable strike quality. Key high-points for assessing wear include the individual rods and binding straps of the fasces, the apex of the Phrygian cap, and the delicate leaves within the wreath. Due to the nature of copper and the period's minting techniques, examples frequently present with planchet irregularities, minor strike weakness, and surface corrosion, which are important considerations for accurate grading and condition assessment.