Description and research notes
This proof sheet represents the front of the one hundred lire denomination prepared for the Regie Finanze of the Kingdom of Sardinia and preserves the final face state dated Torino il p. Gen. 1765. The composition is engraved within a rectangular ornamental frame and printed under full intaglio pressure on official laid paper, with a clear plate impression visible from the verso. All elements originate from plate number two.
The engraved design is vertically oriented and dominated by a large pictorial vignette occupying the upper half of the note. At center, a Savoyard shield bearing the cross of Savoy is set within a monumental landscape scene featuring vegetation, water, and sailing vessels, framed by billowing clouds and radiating lines suggesting light or atmospheric depth. Below the vignette, the issuing inscription Biglietto di credito verso le Regie Finanze is engraved within a tablet-like cartouche integrated into the landscape.
The upper text field carries the denomination and obligation wording beginning with Per il Capitale di lire cento, followed by the dated line Torino il p. Gen. 1765. Beneath this appear engraved signature titles arranged in vertical alignment, including Maestro Auditore, Maestro Auditore, Tesoriere generale, and Controllore della Tesoreria, with ruled signature lines left blank.
The lower portion of the design contains a secondary obligation panel beginning with No. and repeating the denomination text Per il Capitale di lire cento, again dated Torino il p. Gen. 1765. This lower panel is framed by fine linear borders and preserves the complete layout intended for a fully realized face of the instrument.
The engraving exhibits consistent line depth, finely articulated lettering, and fully populated ornamental borders throughout. The lower margin carries the engraved plate identifier P.2, confirming systematic plate-based production. No serial numbers, handwritten entries, or signatures are present, confirming proof status rather than issued currency.
The sheet format preserves full margins and original plate context, confirming that the impression was never prepared for circulation or cutting. This front proof sheet records the finalized face design of the one hundred lire issue as prepared for state use while remaining a non-issued proof artifact.