Genoa (1339-1344) genovino Fr-354
The first specimen was lot 4100 in Goldberg sale 41 (Beverly Hills, May 2007), where it sold for $2,400. The catalog description noted, "Genova. Genovino, ND. Simone Boccanegra, 1339-1344 and 1356-1363. Obv. Castle within an ornate border. Reverse: Cross pattee within floral decorations around cross all within octafoil. Leg: +CONRADUS:REX:ROMANORUN. Sharply struck with brilliant luster. NGC graded MS-64. Genoa, like Venice was ruled by Doges, or dukes. They were elected, originally for life, then for just two years. Simone Boccanegra was the first elected doge, and the first to produce gold coins. This is an amazingly choice example of the coinage." The second specimen was lot 559 in Sincona sale 46 (Zürich, May 2018), where it did not sell. The catalog description[1] noted,
"ITALY, Genova, Simone Boccanegra, 1339-1344 und 1356-1363. Genovino o. J. Gutes sehr schön. Kleiner Kratzer. (republic of Genoa, Simone Boccanegra, 1339-44 and 1356-63, undated gold genovino, Good very fine, Tiny scratch.)"
The genovino would later be renamed the ducat after the Venetian gold coin of the same weight and purity.
Specification: the first specimen 3.54 grams, 21.34 mm diameter; the second specimen 3.51 g.
Catalog reference: MIR 28, Fr-354.
- 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]Richter, Jürg, Auction 46, Gold Coins and Medals, Zürich: Sincona AG, 2018.
Link to: