Doppio Quarto - Giovanni II Bentivoglio

Historical Context: This Doppio Quarto was issued in 1494 under Giovanni II Bentivoglio, who effectively ruled Bologna as its "First Citizen" while maintaining a delicate balance between papal suzerainty and the city's republican traditions. The year 1494 marked a critical juncture in Italian history, witnessing the onset of the Italian Wars with Charles VIII's invasion, which would profoundly destabilize the peninsula. The coin's issuance reflects Bentivoglio's assertion of authority and Bologna's continued economic autonomy amidst the political ferment of the late Italian Renaissance, a period of both cultural brilliance and intense geopolitical struggle.

Artistry: The design of this Doppio Quarto exemplifies early Renaissance numismatic artistry, though the specific engraver remains anonymous, typical for minor denominations of the era. Stylistically, it combines medieval heraldic traditions with emerging Renaissance aesthetics, characterized by a move towards greater realism and classical influences, even if subtly expressed on a small silver issue. The coin's iconography, likely featuring Bologna's civic emblems or Bentivoglio's family devices alongside Latin inscriptions, served as a powerful visual declaration of the city's identity and its ruler's legitimacy.

Technical/Grading: As a hammered silver coin weighing 2.37 grams, the Doppio Quarto exhibits characteristics typical of 15th-century minting. High-points for wear or strike weakness would generally include the central devices, such as a prominent crest or saintly effigy, and the outer legends. Technical strike quality can vary significantly, often showing inconsistencies in centering, striking pressure, and flan preparation, leading to areas of flatness or off-center strikes. The coin's specific gravity and metallic purity would adhere to the established monetary standards of the Republic of Bologna for its silver coinage.