Catalogus
| Uitgever | Massa, Republic of |
|---|---|
| Jaar | 1317-1319 |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Waarde | 20 Deniers (5⁄3) |
| Valuta | Grosso Agontano |
| Samenstelling | Silver |
| Gewicht | 1.31 g |
| Diameter | 20 mm |
| Dikte | |
| Vorm | Round (irregular) |
| Techniek | Hammered |
| Oriëntatie | |
| Graveur(s) | |
| In omloop tot | |
| Referentie(s) | CNI XI#1 , MIR#332 |
| Beschrijving voorzijde | Circular legend surrounded by beads, in the center cross patee surrounded by beads with an M in the first and fourth corner. |
|---|---|
| Schrift voorzijde | Latin |
| Opschrift voorzijde | DE MASSA ✩ |
| Beschrijving keerzijde | Circular legend surrounded by beads, in the center cutting the legend at the top and bottom, Saint Peter bearded with a pearl halo and wearing a mitre, blessing with his right hand and holding a staff in his left hand. |
| Schrift keerzijde | Latin |
| Opschrift keerzijde | * * S` * CE RBOИ` |
| Rand | |
| Muntplaats | |
| Oplage |
ND (1317-1319) - - |
| Numisquare-ID | 1146797310 |
| Aanvullende informatie |
Historical Context: The Grosso agantano, issued by the Republic of Massa between 1317 and 1319, signifies a period of asserted autonomy amidst Italy's dynamic communal era. While larger city-states saw rising signorie, Massa maintained republican governance, demonstrating its economic vitality and sovereign rights through coinage. This silver grosso, a crucial trade denomination, underscores Massa's independent status and active participation in regional commerce during a complex phase following the decline of imperial influence.
Artistry: The engraver of this Grosso agantano remains anonymous, characteristic of early 14th-century Italian communal coinage. Stylistically, it reflects the robust, practical aesthetic prevalent in medieval mints, prioritizing clear civic identity over intricate detail. Typical designs feature a prominent cross, symbolizing faith and authority, often paired with an inscription or local patron saint identifying the issuer. The term "agantano" likely denotes the coin's silver composition or a specific local designation for this popular grosso type.
Technical/Grading: Struck in silver, weighing 1.31 grams and 20 millimeters, the Grosso agantano exhibits typical medieval technical qualities. High-points, such as central cross arms or saintly features, are prone to wear or weak strike. Manual production often resulted in variable planchet quality, irregular flans, and off-centering. A superior example would boast strong central motifs, minimal weakness, and a relatively well-formed flan, offering a clearer representation of this historic Republic of Massa issue.