Grossetto - Jacob Gattilusio Cross, AGNUS

Historical Context: Jacob Gattilusio, Lord of Lesbos (1404-1428), governed a crucial Genoese outpost in the Aegean Sea. This Grossetto reflects his authority during a period of complex geopolitical shifts, as the Gattilusio family balanced relations with the declining Byzantine Empire and the ascendant Ottoman power. Originally Genoese, the Gattilusios established a powerful dynasty through strategic alliances and naval prowess, making Lesbos a key commercial and military hub. This silver coinage served local commerce and visibly symbolized their sovereignty and economic standing.

Artistry: The artistry on this Grossetto, likely executed by a local or itinerant Italian artisan, adheres to a provincial late medieval style with discernible Genoese influences. The obverse typically features a prominent Latin cross, a common numismatic device of the era. The reverse displays the "Agnus Dei" (Lamb of God), a widely recognized Christian motif, particularly prevalent on silver coinage. Inscriptions would identify Jacob Gattilusio and often include religious invocations or minting authority. The design, while perhaps lacking the metropolitan refinement, effectively conveyed the ruler's identity and religious piety.

Technical/Grading: This 1.1 gram silver Grossetto exhibits typical medieval striking characteristics. High-points particularly susceptible to wear include the Agnus Dei's head, body, and banner, as well as the central intersection and arm ends of the prominent cross. Planchet preparation was often irregular, leading to variations in thickness and shape, and strikes could be inconsistent. This frequently resulted in areas of weakness, particularly on the outer legends or finer details of the Agnus Dei. A well-struck example would exhibit clear separation of design elements and full, legible inscriptions, despite the inherent limitations of early 15th-century minting technology.