Casanova / Medieval Italy 1750 - 1799 (And Earlier) Era Coinage Thread (Starting With A 1798 Grana)

Any opinions?

KM#210 motifs and design The obverse presents a classical facing right bust of Ferdinand, the legend FERDINAN. IV. SICILIAR. REX P. encircling the portrait and a small letter P beneath the bust. That composition is deliberately formal: the laureate, flowing haired portrait projects dynastic continuity and personal sovereignty, while the abbreviated Latin legend compresses his Neapolitan and Sicilian titles into the compact, authoritative formula typical of Bourbon issues. The small letter at the base functions as a control or mint/assayer mark and helps specialists place the die and issue within the KM#210 variety.

The reverse motif centers on the crowned Bourbon shield set within a laurel wreath, with denomination and date usually arranged around or beneath the arms. The crown and shield together assert monarchical legitimacy and territorial claim; the laurel wreath is a classical emblem of victory and civic order, signaling the restored Bourbon regime after the Napoleonic disruptions. As KM#210, this coin is both a circulating silver piece and a piece of political messaging: its imagery reassures subjects of the king's rightful rule while serving the practical purpose of everyday commerce in southern Italy.

Thanks for all the compliments toward this great piece!
Going to veer back two years and show you this 1796 120 Grana NGC AU58! I don't have the budget at all to get high grade 1750's Italy yet, nor do I plan to unless a deal came across my table.

Same King Ferdinand I. He will be on most of the coins I post here with the exception of the very elusive Carlo III 1753 120 Grana. That will come toward the end of my 2025 collection. I plan to do 1798, 1796, 1786, and go backward sort of. There will be a reason which you hopefully will see in the thread as to why I am going later earlier, not earlier later. Main reason is preference. I prefer the older generation Grana's personally. 10 years made a difference between the design of the 1796 to the 1786. I prefer the later!

These are not test cuts. They are file marks to adjust the weight of the coin into the correct range, also called "adjustment marks." Part of the minting process, so there is no adverse effect on the grade.


Yes and no. This guy was King Ferdinand IV of Naples (that's the yes part) but also King Ferdinand III of Sicily at this point in time, and later was King Ferdinand I of the Two Sicilies 1816-1825.
Take your pick .

I've got coins over about 650 years of (pre-)Italian history, too. In the 1790s I 've got a couple of coins of the Duchy of Parma and Piacenza that were ruled by Ferdinand's cousin, who (confusingly) was Duke Ferdinand I of Parma. There were WAAAAYYY too many Ferdinands in 17th-18th c. European history.

I meant to edit out the test cuts. I noticed that after I wrote this paragraph, thank you, you got to that point faster than I could get back and change it!

Thanks!

Very nice! Have a few Soldi's too! Yours are better... Didn't have a budget for that series
Nonetheless, very nice!

Here is one of my first Granas. It is a 1786 120 Grana (Big Coin like the last example posted)
It again features my controversial king, who was effective in ways and ineffective in others. Overall, I love the time period, more than the King per se.
This is a circulated example and as the years go back, the grades will lower. I cannot afford MS examples pre 1790 at the moment. I plan to buy more circulated as that is what is affordable and it has so much history as it was touched by so many hands!






The 1786 120 Grana coin from Italy features a detailed portrait of King Ferdinand, who reigned during that period. The obverse side displays a finely engraved bust of Ferdinand in profile, facing right. The portrait captures his regal features, with a prominent nose, detailed facial features, and a laurel wreath or crown adorning his head, symbolizing his royal authority. Surrounding the portrait are inscriptions with the king's name and titles, often in Latin or Italian, along with the year 1786.

The reverse side typically features the coat of arms or a national emblem, accompanied by decorative elements such as floral motifs, scrollwork, or a crown. The coin's edge may be inscribed with additional details or be plain, depending on the minting style.

Made of silver, the coin measures approximately a specific diameter (commonly around 40-50mm) and has a weight consistent with its denomination, reflecting the craftsmanship and minting standards of late 18th-century Italy. Its intricate design and historical significance make it a prized piece for collectors and enthusiasts.

The 1790 P CC coin from the Italian States, specifically the Kingdom of Naples under King Ferdinando IV, is a bronze coin with significant historical value. It represents a small denomination of 1 Grano.

On the obverse, the coin features a finely engraved profile portrait of King Ferdinando IV, facing right. His depiction includes detailed facial features, a crown or royal headgear, and regal attire, emphasizing his royal authority. The surrounding inscriptions typically include his name and titles, such as "FERDINANDO IV" and the year "1790."

The reverse side usually displays the coat of arms of the Kingdom of Naples or a symbolic emblem associated with the monarchy, often accompanied by decorative elements like floral motifs, scrollwork, or a crown. The mintmark "P CC" indicates the specific mint where the coin was produced.

Made of bronze, this coin is smaller in size, approximately 20-25mm in diameter, and lighter than silver coins. Its detailed design and historical context make it a valuable collectible, showcasing the craftsmanship and royal symbolism of late 18th-century Naples.

The 1797 Italian States Naples 8 Tornesi coin featuring King Ferdinando IV is a small denomination silver coin from the Kingdom of Naples.

On the obverse, the coin displays a finely detailed profile portrait of King Ferdinando IV, facing right. His depiction includes his facial features, a crown or royal headgear, and attire befitting his royal status. Surrounding the portrait are inscriptions with his name and titles, such as "FERDINANDO IV."

The reverse features the coat of arms of the Kingdom of Naples, often accompanied by decorative elements like floral motifs, scrollwork, or a crown. The inscription on this side typically includes the denomination "8 TORNESI" and the year "1797."

Made of silver, this coin is relatively small, approximately 20-25mm in diameter, and weighs accordingly. Its detailed design, historical significance, and connection to Ferdinando IV make it a valuable collectible for numismatists and history enthusiasts interested in late 18th-century Italian coinage.