Liard - Anonyme famille Mazzetti, type au H couronné et à la croix fleurdelisée

Historical Context: This liard, issued by the anonymous Mazzetti family from the Lordship of Frinco between 1581 and 1601, represents a fascinating assertion of feudal sovereignty during the fragmented late Renaissance in Piedmont. The Mazzetti, a minor noble family, exercised the right of coinage, a significant prerogative typically reserved for sovereign powers. The "H couronné" likely alludes to a specific family head whose initial was H, serving as a personalized dynastic identifier on this essential circulating currency for local commerce.

Artistry: The engraver of this billon liard remains anonymous, typical for small feudal mints of the period. The design adheres to a localized late Renaissance style, emphasizing heraldic simplicity over elaborate figural representation. The obverse features a prominent crowned H, a clear personal or dynastic emblem. The reverse displays a croix fleurdelisée, a stylized cross adorned with fleur-de-lis motifs, a common yet elegant heraldic device reflecting broader European numismatic traditions.

Technical/Grading: Struck in billon, with a weight of 0.71 grams and a diameter of 16 millimeters, this coin exemplifies the challenges of base metal coinage from the era. High-points for preservation would include the crown details on the H and the terminals of the fleur-de-lis cross. Due to the nature of billon and the rudimentary minting processes, examples often exhibit weak or uneven strikes, minor planchet imperfections, and susceptibility to environmental corrosion, impacting the clarity of the design and any peripheral legends.