Western European medieval history is one of my "things" but I haven't really totally expanded into post-Carolingian West European coinage yet. But I immediately became attracted to this silver coin of 13th century Venice as soon as I first laid eyes on it. Hopefully I did ok by paying $25 for it. Venice was founded by people fleeing from barbarians during the Western Roman Empire's decline and fall. Originally in the Byzantine orbit, over time, this small town grew into an economic powerhouse, with a strong military (especially its navy) to protect it and its interests abroad. Venice's success was in part due to its monopoly on trade between Europe and Asia/Africa, which had severely declined in the 7th century due to the Muslim conquests. This success in turn (and from other important trading cities such as Genoa) helped stimulate the economic revival of Western Europe after the 9th century. Venice as an independent entity ended in 1797 with Napoleon's invasion of Italy. Doge Reneiro Zeno, Republic of Venice AR Grosh Obv: Christ enthroned, facing, wearing nimbus and holding book of gospels. Rev: RA CENO DVX - S M VENETI, doge standing left and receiving banner from Saint Mark standing right, holding book of gospels. Mint: Venice (struck 1253-1268) Ref: Gamberini 32; Biaggi 2775 (Can't help but get Assassin's Creed II vibes from this coin ) Map of SW Europe+North Africa in 1200 (Venice is the dark purple between the Adriatic and the dark orange Holy Roman Empire):
Very cool addition, Jango ... I love it!! (great new silver 13th century AD addition) Awesome write-up, my coin-friend Ummm, I only have a few 13th century-AD examples ... but they seem to be all over the board ... Armenia, Cilician Armenia (Coronation Issue) Seljuqs of Rum, Kaykhusraw II Andronicus II Bi Trachy
Awesome coin guys and thanks for the comments! For me this was one of those coins that I am surprised didn't go for higher. Like I know medieval Venetian coins aren't as hot as, say, Roman and Greek but I figured, before I won it, this was pretty enough to get a decent amount of bidders. All the better for me that not many were interested, of course !
I know I could look this up but since you have it in hand, I was wondering how large your Venice coin is. Is it pretty wide?
Best photos I could get of it. Click to enlarge to better see the details. The photos do not do justice to this beautiful coin:
