Denaro

Historical Context: This Denaro was issued by the free commune of Arezzo between 1272 and 1276, a period of significant political autonomy for Italian city-states amidst the interregnum of the Holy Roman Empire. Arezzo, a Ghibelline stronghold, asserted its independence against rival Guelph cities. The minting of its own coinage, particularly this small denomination, underscored Arezzo's economic sovereignty and its vital role in regional commerce, reflecting the city's self-governance.

Artistry: The engraver of this Denaro remains anonymous, consistent with medieval communal mints. The coin exemplifies the functional and robust stylistic school prevalent in 13th-century Italian city-states. Typical designs for Arezzo's Denari feature a prominent central cross on the obverse, symbolizing Christian faith and civic authority, while the reverse often displays a stylized civic monogram, likely an 'A' or 'AR' representing Arezzo, rendered with a direct aesthetic.

Technical/Grading: Struck in billon (0.6 grams, 16 millimeters), this Denaro exhibits characteristics typical of manual production. High-points for wear and strike quality include the center of the cross and the raised elements of the monogram. Due to the striking process, examples often show irregular flans, off-center strikes, or areas of weakness, particularly towards the edges. A well-centered strike with clear details on both sides would be considered exceptional, with most circulated examples falling into Fine to Very Fine grades.