Catalog
See full images - free registration
Continue with Google - no registration!
or register with email
Why register? Just to keep bots out of our catalog. Your email stays private - we will never share it or send you anything uninvited. We guarantee you that!
4 Zecchini - Antonio Manoel de Vilhena
| Issuer | Order of Malta (Knights of St. John) |
|---|---|
| Year | 1724-1725 |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Value | Log in to see details |
| Currency | Log in to see details |
| Composition | Log in to see details |
| Weight | Log in to see details |
| Diameter | Log in to see details |
| Thickness | Log in to see details |
| Shape | Log in to see details |
| Technique | Log in to see details |
| Orientation | Log in to see details |
| Engraver(s) | Log in to see details |
| In circulation to | Log in to see details |
| Reference(s) | Log in to see details |
| Obverse description | Log in to see details |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Log in to see details |
| Obverse lettering | Log in to see details |
| Reverse description | Log in to see details |
| Reverse script | Latin |
| Reverse lettering | Log in to see details |
| Edge | Reeded |
| Mint | Log in to see details |
| Mintage | Log in to see details |
| Additional information |
Vilhena's grand mastership (1722–1736) coincided with a period of relative stability for the Order after decades of Ottoman pressure, and his minting program reflected that confidence — large-denomination gold issues struck in nearly pure metal, intended as much for prestige exchange as everyday commerce. The 4 Zecchini was the heaviest gold denomination regularly produced at the Valletta mint.
The Zecchino denomination derives directly from the Venetian Zecchino — the ducat — adopted by the Order as a recognizable high-value trading coin acceptable across Mediterranean ports. Vilhena himself was Portuguese, the last Grand Master of that nationality, appointed over considerable internal opposition from French factions within the Order.