Catalog
| Issuer | Genoa, Republic of (1139-1797) |
|---|---|
| Year | 1252-1305 |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Value | Quartarola (1/4 Gold genovino) |
| Currency | Genovino (1139-1528) |
| Composition | Gold (.999) |
| Weight | 0.88 g |
| Diameter | 12 mm |
| Thickness | |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | |
| Engraver(s) | |
| In circulation to | |
| Reference(s) | MIR#8, MEC XII#232, MEC XII#238, MEC XII#248, Fr#352 |
| Obverse description | Gateway within inner reeded circle. Mint master`s symbol at end of legend. |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Latin (uncial) |
| Obverse lettering |
✠ • I • A • N • V • A ✽ (Translation: Genoa) |
| Reverse description | Cross pattée within inner reeded circle. |
| Reverse script | Latin (uncial) |
| Reverse lettering |
✠ · CVNRAD1 · REX (Translation: Conrad, King) |
| Edge | |
| Mint | |
| Mintage |
ND (1252-1256) - Punctuation by pellets obverse (Class K) - ND (1256-1269) - Crescents in reverse legend (Class L) - ND (1270-1289) - Punctuation by annulets obverse (Class N) - ND (1290-1300) - Punctuation by trefoils obverse (Class O) - ND (1300-1305) - Punctuation by rosettes obverse (Class P) - |
| Numisquare ID | 8602184590 |
| Additional information |
Historical Context: The 1/4 Genovino, or 'Quartarola', minted 1252-1305, emerged during a pivotal era for the Republic of Genoa. Coinciding with Florence's Fiorino, Genoa's Genovino d'oro (1252) spearheaded the reintroduction of significant gold coinage in Western Europe. This fractional denomination underscored Genoa's burgeoning maritime trade and financial power, facilitating smaller transactions within its vast Mediterranean commercial network. The coin reflects the Republic's status as a formidable economic and naval force.
Artistry: The Quartarola's design is emblematic of early Italian medieval numismatics, characterized by symbolic representation. The obverse typically features a stylized Genoese city gate or castle, encircled by "IANUA" (Genoa). The reverse commonly displays a cross pattee, surrounded by "CONRADUS REX" (Conrad, King). This anachronistic reference to Holy Roman Emperor Conrad III, who granted Genoa its minting privileges in 1139, served as a perpetual affirmation of the Republic's imperial right to coin money.
Technical/Grading: Struck in nearly pure gold (.999 fine) on a diminutive 12 mm flan weighing 0.88 grams, the Quartarola exhibits characteristics typical of medieval hand-struck coinage. High points for preservation include the central elements of the castle and the cross, along with legend completeness. Due to the manual striking process and the metal's extreme softness, these coins frequently display uneven strikes, off-centering, or weak impression. Full, crisp detail across both sides is uncommon; planchet irregularities or handling marks are typical.