Denaro Picciolo long cross

Émetteur Perugia
Année 1395
Type Standard circulation coin
Valeur 1 Obol (1⁄240)
Devise Lira (1260-1517)
Composition Billon
Poids 0.43 g
Diamètre 13 mm
Épaisseur
Forme Round (irregular)
Technique Hammered
Orientation Variable alignment ↺
Graveur(s)
En circulation jusqu’à
Référence(s) CNI XIV#52/53
Description de l’avers Large P in ribbed crown
Écriture de l’avers
Légende de l’avers DE PERUSIA
Description du revers Cross intersecting the legend
Écriture du revers
Légende du revers S ERCULANVS
Tranche
Atelier
Tirage 1395 - S. ERCVLANV` -
1395 - S. ERCVLANVS -
ID Numisquare 1427400310
Informations supplémentaires

Historical Context: This Denaro Picciolo long cross, issued by Perugia in 1395, reflects the commune's economic resilience amidst the turbulent late 14th century. Perugia navigated pressures from the Papacy and regional powers like Giangaleazzo Visconti. This billon coin, essential for small transactions, signifies the city's assertion of minting rights and its pragmatic approach to local commerce during a period of political flux, highlighting its challenged autonomy.

Artistry: Specific engravers for fractional billon issues are unrecorded, reflecting their utilitarian nature. The design follows the functional Italian communal style. The obverse features a prominent long cross, extending to the flan's edge, a common medieval anti-clipping device. The reverse typically bears a simplified civic emblem or monogram, such as 'P' for Perugia, rendered with a direct, unornamented aesthetic characteristic of small denominations.

Technical/Grading: This 13mm, 0.43g billon Denaro Picciolo often exhibits typical late medieval minting imperfections. High-points vulnerable to wear or weak strike include the central cross and civic monogram details. Technical strike qualities frequently show irregular flans, slight off-centering, and uneven strike pressure, impacting legend legibility. A strong, centered strike with clear details and legible legends would be exceptional for this challenging type.

×