Grosso 'Aquilino' - Henry II of Gorz

Historical Context: This Grosso 'Aquilino' was issued by the City of Treviso between 1319 and 1323, a period of significant political flux in northern Italy. During these years, Treviso was under the effective control of Henry II of Gorz, serving as Captain General. His authority enabled coinage bearing the imperial eagle, a symbol reflecting either imperial claims or strategic alignment in the fragmented early 14th-century Italian landscape. This coin underscores the complex interplay between civic autonomy and regional lordly influence.

Artistry: The Grosso 'Aquilino' design exemplifies the robust, stylized numismatic artistry characteristic of early 14th-century northern Italy. While a specific engraver is unrecorded, local mint artisans produced the piece within established regional conventions. The obverse typically features a prominent imperial eagle (aquila) with spread wings, often rendered with heraldic stiffness. The reverse usually displays a cross, sometimes adorned, accompanied by the city's name or other identifying legends, executed with clarity despite medieval die-cutting limitations.

Technical/Grading: Struck in silver, measuring 21 mm and weighing 1.45 grams, this Grosso 'Aquilino' typically exhibits characteristics common to medieval minting. High-points susceptible to wear include the eagle's head, wings, and talons on the obverse, and the cross's central junction and extremities on the reverse. Strike quality varies; off-center strikes, minor planchet flaws, and areas of flatness are common. A well-preserved example shows sharp details on the eagle's feathers and legible legends, indicating a strong, centered strike on a sound flan.