Parpagliola - Rodolfo Gonzaga

Historical Context: Rodolfo Gonzaga governed the independent Lordship of Castiglione Delle Stiviere from 1586 until his assassination in 1593. This late 16th-century period in Northern Italy was marked by complex local politics and the assertion of minor states' sovereignty. The Parpagliola, a billon denomination, served as a crucial symbol of Rodolfo's princely authority and his control over local economic affairs, providing tangible evidence of a brief but tumultuous reign within a fragmented Italian landscape.

Artistry: The specific engraver of this billon Parpagliola is unrecorded, but its design adheres to the stylistic conventions of late 16th-century Italian numismatics, often a simplified Mannerist aesthetic suitable for base metal. The obverse typically presents a stylized bust of Rodolfo Gonzaga, emphasizing his sovereign claim. The reverse commonly features a heraldic device, such as the Gonzaga eagle or a cross, serving as both identification and a symbol of dynastic authority or religious patronage. Execution prioritizes legibility over intricate detail.

Technical/Grading: Struck in billon, weighing 1.5 grams and measuring 18 millimeters, this Parpagliola presents inherent grading considerations. High-points susceptible to wear include the highest relief areas of Rodolfo's portrait (e.g., nose, hair, crown) and the central elements of the reverse device. Given the billon composition and period minting, examples often display irregular flans, weak or off-center strikes, and variable alloy quality. Surface integrity, including corrosion or planchet imperfections, is critical for condition assessment.