| Descrição do anverso | Circular legend surrounded by beading, in the center in a second circle of beading Cybo shield crowned with a bucranium with ten doubly curved faces with a small globe at the ends, 8 and 6 on each side at the bottom. |
|---|---|
| Escrita do anverso | Latin |
| Legenda do anverso | ALB CYBO M S R I ET M PRI I 8 6 |
| Descrição do reverso | Circular legend surrounded by beading, in the center in a second circle of beading a cross patee. |
| Escrita do reverso | Latin |
| Legenda do reverso | * IN* HAC* GLORIARI* OPORTET* |
| Bordo | |
| Casa da moeda | |
| Tiragem |
1586 - - |
| ID Numisquare | 1206594670 |
| Informações adicionais |
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Historical Context: This 1/3 lire (1/2 paolo), issued in 1586 under Albéric I Cybo-Malaspina, first Prince of Massa and Marquis of Carrara, falls within his long, prosperous reign (1553-1623). This era saw significant consolidation and economic growth for the Duchy, fueled by its strategic location and marble quarries. The dual denomination reflects late Renaissance Italy's complex monetary landscape, local coinage paralleling regional standards like the Papal States' paolo, facilitating trade and asserting fiscal autonomy.
Artistry: The coin's design adheres to late Renaissance stylistic conventions of northern Italian mints. While an engraver is undocumented, the obverse typically features a dignified, idealized bust of Albéric I, rendered with classical restraint. The reverse displays the elaborate dynastic coat of arms, often surmounted by a ducal coronet, signifying sovereignty. This aesthetic emphasizes legibility and symbolic representation over artistic flourish, characteristic of an era rooted in Renaissance formality. No engraver's signature is known.
Technical/Grading: For grading, examine the highest points of the obverse portrait: Albéric I's hair, nose, chin, and drapery or armor folds. On the reverse, critical areas include the ducal crown atop the shield and intricate elements of the Cybo-Malaspina arms, such as the lion's mane or eagle's feathers. Sharpness of legends, strike clarity, and absence of significant planchet imperfections are paramount, as these small silver denominations often suffered from uneven strikes or circulation wear.