40 Lire - Maria Luigia

Historical Context: The 40 Lire coin of Maria Luigia, struck between 1815 and 1821, emerges from a pivotal period in European history following the Napoleonic Wars. Maria Luigia, formerly Empress of the French as Napoleon Bonaparte's second wife, was granted the Duchy of Parma, Piacenza, and Guastalla by the Congress of Vienna in 1815. Her reign brought a period of significant administrative and economic reform to the duchy, marking a transition from French imperial influence to a new, albeit Austrian-aligned, independent Italian state. This gold coinage served as a clear assertion of her sovereign authority and the economic stability she sought to establish in her new domain.

Artistry: The design of the 40 Lire reflects the prevailing Neoclassical style of the early 19th century, common across European monarchical coinage. While a specific engraver is not consistently attributed across all dies, the artistic execution typically displays a refined portraiture. The obverse features a dignified bust of Maria Luigia, often depicted with a classical diadem or laurel wreath, echoing Roman imperial iconography. Her likeness is rendered with a blend of realism and idealized grace. The reverse typically presents the denomination, date, and sometimes the ducal arms, executed with precision and balanced composition, characteristic of Italian minting traditions of the era.

Technical/Grading: Struck in .900 fine gold, weighing 12.9 grams and measuring 26 mm, this is a substantial gold piece. For grading, key high-points on the obverse include Maria Luigia's hair, ear, cheekbone, and the highest points of her diadem or laurel wreath. On the reverse, attention should be paid to the sharpness of the ducal crown (if present), the lettering, and any intricate elements of the shield or legend. Well-preserved examples exhibit strong strike quality, often with a satiny or semi-prooflike luster in the fields, and crisp reeding on the edge. Weakness in the highest relief areas, while not uncommon, significantly impacts grade.