Help with attribution, if you're so inclined. I'm getting a Venetian vibe, but am essentially clueless otherwise. Actually, there might be an old chickenscratched, scribbly flip insert or 2x2 holder with the coin, but I'm presently at work, and it's at home (I forgot to bring that stuff and put it in the safe deposit box tonight). It's part of a fun old-timey collection lot I bought.
Venice 12 denari/bagattini? I'm also at work at the moment, but not many other coins it can be with that "12" on it
Thanks. That gets me much closer in my Googling, but I still don't know the doge or date. I guess it could be slightly postmedieval, like 17th century?
This one looks like a possible match (there are a few other variations): Info below from this site: http://www.ancientresource.com/lots/venice/venetian.html "Alvise Contarini, 1676-1684 AD. Billon soldino. Doge kneeling left, holding tall cross/staff, facing nimbate winged lion holding Gospels open with paw. "12" below. S.M.V.ALOYS.CON around / Christ standing, nimbate and robed, with hand held in benediction, +DEFENS NOSTER+ around. 22 mm." Other possible matches are listed on the link above. They are all 17th century.
Oho! So the "12" is not in Roman numerals! I was wondering where everyone was seeing a 12, though considering the state of the "2" in the "12" on my coin, I suppose I can be excused for not noticing that detail. Thank you!
I found the coin when I put all the stuff back in my SDB, and lo and behold, like I had thought, there was an old chickenscratched, scribbly 2x2 holder after all, and it said: "Venice Italy Alvise Contrarini [sic] 1678-1684" So thank you for confirming that. I couldn't remember if it was in an attributed holder or not, and even when they are, I do not always trust the old holder information and like to confirm it. I'm not finding this in Krause, at least not the digital Numismaster/NGC online version. But the info you nailed down is enough. Thanks again.
