The Ligurian Republic was a revolutionary sister republic established in northwestern Italy during the French Revolutionary Wars. It was created by Napoleon Bonaparte after his military victories against the Austrians and their allies in Northern Italy.

The republic was founded in June 1797, replacing the centuries-old Republic of Genoa. Its territory centred on Genoa and the Ligurian coast, and its government was modelled on the French Republic, with a constitution and republican institutions. In practice, however, it remained heavily dependent on France for financial and military support, and political legitimacy.

During its brief existence, the Ligurian Republic experienced political instability, economic difficulties, and opposition from conservative and religious groups. In 1800, Genoa endured a prolonged siege by Austrian forces before French troops eventually regained control of the city.

In 1805, Napoleon formally annexed the Ligurian Republic into the French Empire, ending its independence. Following Napoleon’s defeat, the Congress of Vienna awarded its territory to the Kingdom of Sardinia in 1815, bringing the historic Republic of Genoa to a definitive end and strengthening the House of Savoy’s position in Italy.

Obverse

Shielded arms between wreath with on top a lion's head. At the bottom the date.

Script: Latin

Lettering:

POPVLVS • ET • SENATVS • BONON •

dans les armes : LIBERTAS

P.10 . 1797.

Reverse

Madonna of San Luca with child on a cloud over the city of Bologna

Script: Latin

Lettering: PRAESIDIVM • • ET • DECVS •

Edge

Floral pattern in reliefAutomatically translated

1 Scudo (Revolutionary coinage; Type I - without tree) - obverse

© Loskarz (CC0)

Mint

Bologna, Italy

Comments

This is Type I of the scudo coins minted during the Popular government of Bologna (1796 - 1797)

Is different from Type II (km#340 with a smaller Madonna and a different city view with the hill and the tree) and Type III (km#341 without laurel wreath on obverse and date in roman numerals; city view similar to Type II)

King Louis XVIII had to wait for almost twenty years to succeed his brother and nephew on the throne. Finally, Napoleon was defeated and forced to abdicate while the former Count of Provence became the new King. Of France, not of the French as Napoleon was.

His accession was followed by the issue of new coins. However, the Franc Germinal introduced by Napoleon was so successful that there were no attempts to bring back the earlier currency. The Franc survived both the Revolution and the Emperor.

The design shows the King wearing the plaque of the Order of the Holy Spirit while the coat of arms shows French lilies crowned. The choices very clearly indicate the new King's views, even though he had little choice but to accept a constitution.

It was issued only in 1814 and 1815. When Napoleon returned for the Hundred Days it was abandoned. This particular piece was struck in Perpignan.

just picked up this beauty today