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 Replies: 11 / Views: 2,479 |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
4778 Posts |
Western European medieval history is one of my "things" but I haven't really totally expanded into post-Carolingian West European coinage yet. But I immediately became attracted to this silver coin of 13th century Venice as soon as I first laid eyes on it. Hopefully I did ok by paying $25 for it. Venice was founded by people fleeing from barbarians during the Western Roman Empire's decline and fall. Originally in the Byzantine orbit, over time, this small town grew into an economic powerhouse, with a strong military (especially its navy) to protect it and its interests abroad. Venice's success was in part due to its monopoly on trade between Europe and Asia/Africa, which had severely declined in the 7th century due to the Muslim conquests. This success in turn (and from other important trading cities such as Genoa) helped stimulate the economic revival of Western Europe after the 9th century. Venice as an independent entity ended in 1797 with Napoleon's invasion of Italy. Doge Reneiro Zeno, Republic of VeniceAR Grosh Obv: Christ enthroned, facing, wearing nimbus and holding book of gospels. Rev: RA CENO DVX - S M VENETI, doge standing left and receiving banner from Saint Mark standing right, holding book of gospels. Mint: Venice (struck 1253-1268) Ref: Gamberini 32; Biaggi 2775  (Can't help but get Assassin's Creed II vibes from this coin  ) Map of SW Europe+North Africa in 1200 (Venice is the dark purple between the Adriatic and the dark orange Holy Roman Empire):  |
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Pillar of the Community
Italy
1790 Posts |
 Very nice! Quote:
Assassin's Creed  Edited by Augustus Maximus
03/11/2015 11:25 pm
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1045 Posts |
Always such excellent write ups. That's a lot of coin for $25, very nice
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Bedrock of the Community
Australia
21788 Posts |
These days you are better off if you don't visit as a tourist.
Far too many visitors. I know; I visited.
It is a bit like a main terminus railway station in India, during rush hour.
If you collect coins, just study and enjoy Venetian coins.
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Moderator
 United States
23731 Posts |
AS always a very informative write up. Wish I could fine one as nice as this for $25. Excellent coin.
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Pillar of the Community
 United States
4778 Posts |
Quote:
Far too many visitors. I know; I visited. I recently watched a show on Venice and it was said that there were usually more tourists than actual residents, also that Venetians are moving out. Thanks all for the comments! Edited by VisigothKing
03/12/2015 10:57 pm
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Pillar of the Community
United States
5155 Posts |
Neat coin. I don't have one of these. I have seen quite a few with various attributions for not alot of money.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
4971 Posts |
I've been stalking of these for about a year now...25 bucks is great for that coin. excellent coin VK, id pay double what you did for it.
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Valued Member
United States
152 Posts |
The absolute best book of recent publication on these types of coins is:
Paolucci, R. Le Monete Dei Dogi Di Venezia - The Coinage of the Doges of Venice, 2nd Edition. (Padova, 2001).
Good luck locating it. I think I pursued that book for 6 years before I could locate a copy (sigh). Once I did I kept an eye out for it and when someone in Italy had some copies I paid the exorbitant postage to get 5 copies shipped to me so that I could share with collectors of the coins. Those books left quickly!
Paul
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Pillar of the Community
United States
4778 Posts |
It looks better if you click to enlarge the photos. Even then, the photos do not do justice to such a nice coin:  |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
4778 Posts |
Things are getting a bit medieval right now so... Bump! |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
5155 Posts |
Yea they are!
Your photo is a thousand time better. Curious what is the weight and diameter? After reading "Reading Medieval European Coins" by Ralph S. Walker, I feel a lot more comfortable reading the legends on these types of coins. Sometime the font on these medieval coins get hairy.
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Replies: 11 / Views: 2,479 |
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Posted 03/12/2015 12:05 am
