Florence (1358) florin Fr-275
This specimen was lot 791 in Jean Elsen sale 151 (Brussels, June 2022), where it sold for €1,100 (about US$1,374 including buyer's fees). The catalog description[1] noted,
"ITALIE, FLORENCE, République (1189-1532), AV fiorino d'oro, 1358, 1er semestre. Monétaire Cecco di Cione. D/ + FLOR-ENTIA Fleur de lis. R/ ·S·IOHA-NNES·B Saint Jean-Baptiste deb. de f., ten. une croix longue. En haut à g., un dragon sous un lis. Très Beau à Superbe. (Italy, republic of Florence, gold florin of 1358, first semester, moneyer Cecco di Cione. Obverse: fleur-de-lys; reverse: St. John the Baptist facing, bearing a long cross, a dragon and lily above left. Very Fine - Extremely Fine.)"
The gold florin was intended to compete with the Venetian ducat but is today much scarcer. Later, the florin dropped in weight and purity and became the goldgulden.
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: 3.50 g, 0.986 fine gold, this specimen is 3,50 g.
Catalog reference: Fr-275, Bernocchi 1674; M.I.R. 10/31.
- Friedberg, Arthur L. and Ira S. Friedberg, Gold Coins of the World, From Ancient Times to the Present, 9th ed., Clifton, NJ: Coin and Currency Institute, 2017.
- [1]Elsen, Philippe, et al., Vente Publique 151: Collection Paul Witte, Monnaies de Brabant, Brussels: Jean Elsen et ses Fils S.A., 2022.
Link to:
- Florence (1357) florin Fr-275, Niccolo di Gherardino di Gianni
- (1422-27) florin, Antonio di Niccolo da Rabatta
- Coins and currency dated 1358