Catalogus
| Uitgever | Venetian rule in the Ionian Islands (1363-1797) |
|---|---|
| Jaar | 1710-1797 |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Waarde | 1 Soldo |
| Valuta | Gazzetta |
| Samenstelling | Copper |
| Gewicht | 2.44 g |
| Diameter | 21 mm |
| Dikte | |
| Vorm | Round (irregular) |
| Techniek | |
| Oriëntatie | Coin alignment ↑↓ |
| Graveur(s) | |
| In omloop tot | |
| Referentie(s) | KM#2 |
| Beschrijving voorzijde | Arabic text in three rows in the center. First row `لا اله الا`. This text is surrounded by one row of Arabic text. Starting with `بسم الله` at 1 o`clock reading from right to left. |
|---|---|
| Schrift voorzijde | Latin |
| Opschrift voorzijde |
لا اله الا الله وحده لا شرك له بسم الله ضرب هذا الدرهم بالعباسية سنه سبعين و مئة (Translation: There is no diety except the one God alone he has no equal. In the name of God this dirham was struck in al-Abbasiya in the year seventy and one hundred (170).) |
| Beschrijving keerzijde | Arabic text in three rows in the center. First row starts with `محمد`. The center text is surrounded by one ring. One row of Arabic text in the margin outside the ring. Starting with `محمد` at 1 o`clock reading from right to left. Citing governor Yazid (يزيد) below, `bakh` (بخ) at the top |
| Schrift keerzijde | Latin |
| Opschrift keerzijde |
محمد رسول الله محمد رسول الله ارسله بالهدى و دين الحق ليظهره على الدين كله ولو كره المشركون (Translation: Muhammad The messenger of God Muhammad the messenger of God. He sent him with guidance and the true religion to reveal it to all religions even if the polytheists abhor it.) |
| Rand | |
| Muntplaats | |
| Oplage |
170 (786) - al-`Abbasiya - |
| Numisquare-ID | 4315515450 |
| Aanvullende informatie |
Historical Context: This 1 Soldo copper coin was issued under Venetian rule in the Ionian Islands, specifically within the period 1710-1797. During this era, the Venetian Republic, though in decline, maintained its strategic control over its *Stato da Màr*, including the Ionian archipelago (Corfu, Zakynthos, Cephalonia, etc.). These base metal denominations were essential for facilitating daily commerce and transactions among the local populace, reflecting the economic realities of a colonial administration. The issuance ceased abruptly in 1797 with the dissolution of the Venetian Republic by Napoleon, marking the end of over four centuries of Venetian suzerainty in the region.
Artistry: The design of this 1 Soldo piece, cataloged as KM#2, typically reflects the practical, yet iconic, numismatic style of late Venetian colonial coinage. While specific engravers are rarely attributed for such common copper issues, the stylistic school is distinctly Venetian, emphasizing clear heraldic and symbolic representations. The obverse almost invariably features the majestic Lion of St. Mark, the enduring emblem of the Serenissima, often depicted rampant or *in moeca*. The reverse would typically bear the denomination "1 SOLD" or "I SOLD" along with an abbreviated date or mintmark, rendered in a straightforward, legible script characteristic of utilitarian coinage of the period.
Technical/Grading: Struck in copper with a weight of 2.44 grams and a diameter of 21 millimeters, this 1 Soldo coin often exhibits variable strike quality common to 18th-century base metal issues. High-points for wear would include the head, wings, and paws of the Lion of St. Mark on the obverse, and any prominent lettering or dates on the reverse. Surviving examples frequently show evidence of irregular planchets, off-center strikes, or weakly defined details due to worn dies or insufficient striking pressure. Given its composition and circulation, surface corrosion and environmental damage are also common considerations for grading.