Grosso of 30 denari

Historical Context: The Grosso of 30 denari, issued by the Republic of Florence between 1318 and 1326 (MIR#51), represents a crucial silver denomination within one of Europe's preeminent financial and commercial powers. This specific period saw Florence consolidate its economic dominance through banking and trade, with the grosso serving as a vital medium for daily transactions alongside the gold florin. The coin's fixed value of 30 denari underscores the republic's sophisticated monetary system, navigating internal political dynamics while projecting stability and wealth across its vast commercial network in a pre-Black Death economic expansion.

Artistry: Artistically, Florentine coinage of this era adheres to the established medieval Italian municipal style. Individual engravers are not recorded; rather, the focus was on clear, recognizable iconography. The obverse features a robust, frontal bust of St. John the Baptist, Florence's patron saint, depicted with a halo and often a cross-tipped staff. The reverse proudly displays the stylized Florentine lily (fleur-de-lis), a potent civic emblem. Execution, while not aiming for naturalism, demonstrates competent craftsmanship, prioritizing legibility of legends (S. IOHANNES B / FLOR-ENTIA) and symbolic clarity.

Technical/Grading: For grading this Grosso, key high points include the definition of St. John the Baptist’s facial features, the folds of his garment, and the details of his cross-tipped staff on the obverse. On the reverse, the clarity of the lily's petals, its central stamen, and the surrounding legend are paramount. The strike quality, centering of the design within the 22mm planchet, and the integrity of the .958 fine silver surface are critical. Weakness often occurs at the legends' peripheries or on the highest relief points of the lily or St. John's head, requiring careful evaluation of wear versus strike quality.