Genovino Type 3

Emittente Genoa, Republic of (1139-1797)
Anno 1305-1339
Tipo Standard circulation coin
Valore 1 Genovino = 20 Soldi = 1 Lira
Valuta Genovino (1139-1528)
Composizione Gold (.999)
Peso 3.5 g
Diametro 20 mm
Spessore
Forma Round (irregular)
Tecnica Hammered
Orientamento Variable alignment ↺
Incisore/i
In circolazione fino al
Riferimento/i MIR#7, MEC XII#254
Descrizione del dritto Gateway with large central pellet within polylobe decorated with alternating rosettes and trefoils, surrounded by reeded circle. Legend ends with mint master`s mark.
Scrittura del dritto Latin (uncial)
Legenda del dritto ✠ ⸰ IANVA ⸰ QUAM ⸰ DEVS ⸰ PROTEGAT
(Translation: Genoa, which God protects.)
Descrizione del rovescio Cross pattée within polylobe decorated by rosettes and trefoils, surrounded by reeded circle.
Scrittura del rovescio Latin (uncial)
Legenda del rovescio ✠ CONRADVS × REX × ROMANORVM
(Translation: Conrad, King of the Romans)
Bordo
Zecca
Tiratura ND (1305-1339) - B (MIR 7, MEC 12#254) -
ND (1305-1339) - n (MIR 7) -
ND (1305-1339) - S (MIR 7) -
ND (1305-1339) - Tree (MIR 7) -
ND (1318-1333) - Lion mark (MIR 26) -
ND (1334-1336) - Eagle mark (MIR 27) -
ID Numisquare 2530637830
Informazioni aggiuntive

Historical Context: The Genovino Type 3, minted by the Republic of Genoa (1305-1339), represents a golden age for the maritime power. Governed by Doges and councils, Genoa was a commercial giant, though often internally divided. This era solidified the Genovino's status as a premier international currency, rivaling the Florentine Florin and Venetian Ducat. Its consistent .999 gold fineness was paramount to its widespread acceptance, underpinning Genoa's vast Mediterranean trading network.

Artistry: Engravers for medieval coinage are typically anonymous; the Genovino Type 3 adheres to the late medieval Italian stylistic school, prioritizing symbolic clarity. The obverse prominently features the iconic Gate of Genoa, often interpreted as the Porta Superana, encircled by the legend "IANUA." The reverse displays the Cross of St. George, Genoa's patron saint, accompanied by "CONRADUS REX," a traditional acknowledgment of Imperial suzerainty. Minor variations in the gate's depiction or legend punctuation distinguish this type.

Technical/Grading: Struck from nearly pure .999 gold, weighing 3.5 grams and measuring 20 millimeters, the Genovino Type 3 reflects high metallurgical standards. Key high-points susceptible to wear include the intricate details of the gate on the obverse and the central elements of the cross on the reverse. Manual striking methods often result in slight off-center strikes, minor weakness in peripheral legends, or occasional planchet irregularities. Well-preserved specimens retain sharp details on both primary devices and legible legends.

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