½ Soldo ,6 Bagattini- Carlo Contarini ND
| Billon | 1.02 g | 19 mm |
| Issuer | Republic of Venice (Italian States) |
|---|---|
| Doge | Carlo Contarini (1655-1656) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 1655-1656 |
| Value | ½ Soldo (1⁄40) |
| Currency | Lira (1618-1752) |
| Composition | Billon |
| Weight | 1.02 g |
| Diameter | 19 mm |
| Shape | Round |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-05 |
| Numista | N#267734 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Full-length facing figure of Christ holding book.
Lettering: * DEFENS · · NOSTER *
Translation: Our Defender
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about the ½ Soldo coin from the Republic of Venice is that it was made of Billon, which is an alloy of copper and silver. This was a common practice in the 17th century, as it allowed for the production of coins that were more durable and resistant to wear and tear than coins made of pure copper. The use of Billon in coinage also made it possible to produce coins with a lower silver content, which helped to reduce the cost of production. This coin, in particular, has a unique historical significance as it was minted during the reign of Carlo Contarini, who was the Doge of Venice from 1655 to 1656.
