21/2 Baiocchi - Pius VI

Montalto was among the least productive papal mints, operating intermittently and largely overshadowed by Rome and Bologna. By 1797, Pius VI was facing catastrophe: Napoleon's Italian campaign had stripped the Papal States of Avignon, the Legations, and enormous financial indemnities under the Treaty of Tolentino signed that February. Copper fractional coinage from this moment was essentially emergency currency, minted to keep local commerce functioning as the papal treasury hemorrhaged.

Montalto's output for Pius VI is referenced under at least two distinct Muntoni numbers, suggesting minor die variations between issues. The mint would effectively cease meaningful operation within a year.