Venice (1289-1311) grosso
This specimen was lot 673 in Sincona sale 89 (Zürich, May 2024), where it sold for 140 CHF (about US$185 including buyer's fees). The catalog description[1] noted,
"ITALIEN Venedig, Pietro Gradenigo, 1289-1311. Grosso o. J., Venezia. Vorzüglich. Exemplar der Liste Schweizerische Bankgesellschaft 16, Zürich, 1984, Los 465. (Italy, republic of Venice, Peter Gradenigo, 1289-1311, undated grosso, Venice mint. Extremely fine. Kleine Kratzer, Small scratches.)"
Wikipedia notes, "Pietro Gradenigo (1251 – 13 August 1311) was the 49th Doge of Venice, reigning from 1289 to his death." The grosso was introduced in the late middle ages to replace the silver penny or denaro, which had become too small and debased to be of use. It eventually was imitated all over Europe, becoming the groat in England, the gros in France, the grosz in Poland and the groschen in Germany.
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: silver, this specimen 2.11 g.
Catalog reference: Montenegro 65, Biaggi 2794.
- Rafaele Paolucci, La Zecca di Venezia, 2 vols. Padua, 1991.
- [1]Richter, Jürg, SINCONA Auction 89, The Garrulus Collection of Numismatic Rarities and Masterpieces, Zürich: SINCONA AG, 2024.
Link to:
- Venice (1268-75) grosso, Lorenzo Tiepolo
- Venice (1289-1311) zecchino Fr.1216, Pietro Gradenigo
- Venice (1312-28) grosso, Giovanni Soranzo
- Coins and currency dated 1289