Italy - Piedmont Republic 2 Soldi, 1800

NAZIONE PIEDMONTESE [Piedmontese Nation](OB) was established by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1798. By 1799 Austria and Russian forces overthrew the republic. Date is Anno 9 which equates to 1800. Reverse legend is LIBERTA - EGUAGLANZA (means LIBERY - EQUALITY). The instrument shown is a masons level and was also used as an angle measurement tool. It's a prominent symbol used during the French Revolution as is the Liberty Cap atop the level. This a typical example, I've acquired a much better example, which can also be seen in the Moneta Museum.