Pisa (1220-50) grosso
This specimen was lot 46870 in Stack's Bowers ANA sale (Chicago, August 2024), where it did not sell. The catalog description[1] noted, "ITALY. Pisa. Grosso, ND (ca. 1220-50). Pisa Mint. PCGS MS-62. In the name of Holy Roman Emperor Frederick I. Obverse: Half-length bust of Madonna facing slightly right, holding Holy Infant; star to left; Reverse: Large F (for Frederick) between four rosettes. Fairly well struck and attractively toned, this minor stands as an elite representative of the type." The republic of Pisa was an economic power in the Middle Ages but declined after suffering defeats at the hands of Genoa and was conquered by Florence in 1406. Always restive, she took the opportunity of the invasion of Italy by Charles VIII of France to rebel against Florentine control. Many battles, sieges and massacres later, she was incorporated into the Grand Duchy of Tuscany and resumed her life as a sleepy university town.
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: copper.
Catalog reference: Biaggi-1933; MIR-394.
- [1]Orsini, Matt, Kyle Ponterio and Jeremy Bostwick, August 2024 Global Showcase Auction, World & Ancient Coins, featuring The Emilio M. Ortiz Collection, The Richard Margolis Collection and The Rutherford Collection, Costa Mesa, CA: Stack's Bowers Galleries, Inc., 2024.
Link to:
- (1260-79) fiorino d'argento da 1 soldo
- Pisa (1494-95) grosso issued during French occupation
- Coins and currency dated 1220