On the Issue of Italian Generic Badges in the Coins of the Early Modern Time

Abstract

The article is devoted to Italian generic badges (it. impresa), minted in coins. Considered are predominantly northern Italian states, where their own special heraldic traditions have developed, which differ from French or Spanish ones. The borrowing of badges is indicated. The article shows the interaction of personal and generic badges. The influence of ancient coins on the coins of the early modern period and the reception of images as pictorial mottos are considered. Unique narrative sources relating to badges are given. Changes in generic badges over several generations of their owners are indicated. Despite the large volume of the article, it is too early to draw conclusions, since there are more questions about the existence of generic badges than answers to them, and, therefore, further study is required.