Quattrino - Alexander VI

Historical Context: Alexander VI, born Rodrigo Borgia, reigned as Pope from 1492 to 1503, a period synonymous with the High Renaissance and intense political upheaval across the Italian peninsula. His papacy was marked by significant efforts to consolidate papal power and secure the Borgia family's influence, often through controversial alliances and nepotism. The issuance of this copper quattrino from Ascoli, a city firmly within the Papal States, highlights the practical necessity for low-denomination currency to facilitate daily commerce and taxation during an era of dynamic economic and social change.

Artistry: The specific engraver of this Ascoli quattrino remains unrecorded, common for provincial mints of this era. The coin's design adheres to the stylistic conventions of the Early Renaissance, emphasizing clear identification of authority rather than intricate artistic detail. The obverse typically features the prominent Borgia coat of arms, characterized by the bull (or ox), a direct visual reference to the pontiff. The reverse commonly bears a religious motif, such as a cross, or a local patron saint like Saint Emidius, patron of Ascoli, or a simple identifying legend, executed in a functional, albeit sometimes rustic, style.

Technical/Grading: This copper quattrino, weighing 1.63 grams and measuring 18 millimeters, represents a typical small-denomination issue from the late 15th century. Key high-points susceptible to wear include the head and back of the Borgia bull on the obverse and any central elements of the reverse design, such as a saint's face or the arms of a cross. Due to the rudimentary minting technology of the period, these coins frequently exhibit weak strikes, off-centering, and irregular planchets. Examples displaying strong strikes, full legends, and minimal wear are considerably rarer and highly prized by collectors.