Catalogue
| Émetteur | Malta |
|---|---|
| Année | 1540-1553 |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Valeur | 2 Tari (⅙) |
| Devise | Scudo (1530-1825) |
| Composition | Silver |
| Poids | 5.75 g |
| Diamètre | |
| Épaisseur | |
| Forme | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Graveur(s) | |
| En circulation jusqu’à | |
| Référence(s) | Restelli#12-21 |
| Description de l’avers | Arms of the Grand Master quartered with the arms of the Order. |
|---|---|
| Écriture de l’avers | Latin |
| Légende de l’avers |
☩ ✦ F ✦ IO ✦ HOMEDES ✦ M ✦ HOS ✦ HIERLM (Translation: Fra Juan de Homedes, master of the Hospitallers of Jerusalem) |
| Description du revers | Nimbate Paschal Lamb holding banner, advancing left, looking back to right; sometimes, a star before the lamb on left. |
| Écriture du revers | Latin |
| Légende du revers |
☩ ✦ ECCE ✦ AGNVS ✦ D ✦ QVI ✦ TOLLIT ✦ P ✦ 1543 (Translation: Behold the Lamb of God which taketh away the sins.) |
| Tranche | |
| Atelier | |
| Tirage |
ND - RS# 21 - P✦M, without star, without date - 1540 - RS# 12-13 - with star - 1543 - RS# 14-16 - with star - 1552 - RS# 17-19 - P✦M, without star - 1553 - RS# 20 - P✦M, without star - |
| ID Numisquare | 2466046570 |
| Informations supplémentaires |
Historical Context: The 2 Tari of Juan de Homedes (1540-1553) signifies a crucial period for the Order of St. John on Malta. As 47th Grand Master, Homedes focused on fortifying the island, granted in 1530 after the Order's Rhodes expulsion. This era saw intense efforts to build defenses against Ottoman threats. Issuing this silver coinage asserted the Order's sovereign authority and economic stability, vital for its military and charitable functions as a recognized state in the Mediterranean.
Artistry: The 2 Tari, 5.75 grams of silver, reflects Renaissance numismatic traditions with a provincial interpretation. The obverse typically features a dignified, stylized bust of Grand Master Juan de Homedes, usually facing right, encircled by his Latinized name and title. The reverse displays the revered arms of the Order of St. John – a prominent cross within a crowned escutcheon – accompanied by the Order's legend. Engravers were likely local artisans, their work embodying a functional aesthetic.
Technical/Grading: Key high-points for wear assessment include the Grand Master's nose, forehead, and highest relief areas of his vestments. On the reverse, the cross center, crown details, and shield outline are critical. Due to manual striking, technical qualities vary; expect off-center strikes, planchet irregularities, and weak impressions, especially on legends. Original mint luster is exceptionally rare, with most examples showing circulation wear and varying patination. The edge is plain.