Catalogo
| Emittente | Malta |
|---|---|
| Anno | 1539 |
| Tipo | Standard circulation coin |
| Valore | 1 Tari (1⁄12) |
| Valuta | Scudo (1530-1825) |
| Composizione | Silver |
| Peso | 2.39 g |
| Diametro | |
| Spessore | |
| Forma | Round (irregular) |
| Tecnica | Hammered |
| Orientamento | |
| Incisore/i | |
| In circolazione fino al | |
| Riferimento/i | Restelli#34 |
| Descrizione del dritto | Arms of the Grand Master quartered with the arms of the Order. |
|---|---|
| Scrittura del dritto | Latin |
| Legenda del dritto |
☩ ✦ F ✦ IO ✦ HOMEDES ✦ M ✦ HOS ✦ HIERM ✦ (Translation: Fra Juan de Homedes, master of the Hospitallers of Jerusalem) |
| Descrizione del rovescio | Nimbate Paschal Lamb holding banner, advancing left, looking back to right; a star before the lamb on left. |
| Scrittura del rovescio | Latin |
| Legenda del rovescio |
✦ ECCE ✦ AGNVS ✦ D ✦ QVI ✦ TOLLIT ✦ · 1539 · (Translation: Behold the Lamb of God which taketh away [the sins].) |
| Bordo | |
| Zecca | |
| Tiratura |
1539 - - |
| ID Numisquare | 1662035640 |
| Informazioni aggiuntive |
Historical Context: This silver Tari, issued in 1539, originates from the nascent period of the Knights Hospitaller’s rule on Malta under Grand Master Juan de Homedes y Coscón (1536-1553). Granted Malta in 1530 after losing Rhodes, the Order established its administrative and defensive infrastructure. Homedes' reign saw early efforts to fortify the island against Ottoman threats, making this coin a tangible artifact of the Order's early sovereignty and monetary system.
Artistry: The artistic execution of this Tari reflects a pragmatic Renaissance influence, typical of early Hospitaller coinage. The anonymous engraver adhered to established traditions. The obverse typically features the armorial bearings of Grand Master Homedes, often surmounted by a coronet, encircled by his name and title. The reverse displays the iconic eight-pointed Maltese cross, emblem of the Order, usually with the date. Latin legends reinforce the Order's religious and sovereign authority.
Technical/Grading: Weighing 2.39 grams, this silver Tari exhibits characteristics common to 16th-century hand-struck coinage. High-points for wear or strike quality include the central details of the Grand Master's coat of arms and the central boss and arm tips of the Maltese cross. Due to manual striking, expect variability in strike, including weak legends, off-center strikes, and irregular flans. Original mint luster is rare, often lost through circulation or cleaning. Sharpness of detail is a key determinant of grade.