© Nomisma
© Nomisma
½ Piastra - Cosimo I
| Silver (.958) | 15.59 g | 36 mm |
| Issuer | Grand Duchy of Tuscany (Italian States) |
|---|---|
| Grand duke | Cosimo I (1569-1574) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 1569-1573 |
| Value | ½ Piastra (15⁄4) |
| Currency | Lira (1533-1826) |
| Composition | Silver (.958) |
| Weight | 15.59 g |
| Diameter | 36 mm |
| Shape | Round |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-05 |
| Numista | N#391113 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 97% |
Reverse
St. John stands with crosier and right hand raised, surrounded by followers
Script: Latin
Lettering:
S • IOANNES 🟌 • BAPTISTA •
• 1570 •
Translation: Saint John the Baptist
Engraver: Pietro Paolo Galeotti
Comment
Cosimo I de' Medici was Duke of the Republic of Florence 1537-1557, Duke of Florence and Siena 1557-1569, then in 1569, Pope Pius V raised Cosimo to Grand Duke of Tuscany. The half Piastra from 1569 still carries his original title:
COSMVS MEDICES FLOREN[TIÆ] ET SENAR[VM] DVX II
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about the ½ Piastra - Cosimo I 1569-1573 coin from the Grand Duchy of Tuscany is that it features a unique design element: the coat of arms of the Medici family, who ruled Tuscany at the time, is depicted on the coin's reverse side. This highlights the significant influence and power that the Medici family held in the region during the 16th century.
