50 Centesimi - Victor Emmanuel II Florence

Historical Context: This 50 Centesimi, struck in Florence (1860-1861), is a pivotal numismatic artifact from the United Provinces of Central Italy during the Risorgimento. Following the expulsion of former rulers, provisional governments, including Tuscany, aligned with Victor Emmanuel II, King of Sardinia. Issuance of coinage bearing his effigy, predating the formal Kingdom of Italy in March 1861, declared allegiance and represented a tangible step towards national unification, solidifying Piedmontese authority in these liberated territories.

Artistry: The obverse features a finely rendered laureate bust of Victor Emmanuel II, characteristic of the neoclassical style prevalent in European medallic art. While local engravers at the Florence mint executed the dies, the design closely follows Sardinian prototypes, often attributed to prominent engravers like Luigi Gori or Giuseppe Ferraris. The portrait emphasizes the monarch's resolute profile, a visual symbol of the unifying movement. The reverse displays the crowned Savoyard shield, encircled by the Collar of the Annunziata, flanked by laurel branches.

Technical/Grading: Given its diminutive size (18mm, 2.5g), this silver (.900) issue is particularly susceptible to wear and contact marks. Key grading points on the obverse include definition of Victor Emmanuel II's hair, beard, laurel wreath, and high points of his cheek/forehead. On the reverse, critical areas for preservation are the intricate crown details, the lion rampant on the Savoyard shield, individual links of the Collar of the Annunziata, and delicate leaves of the laurel branches. Strong examples retain sharp design elements and minimal field disturbances.