1 Quartaro - Gryphon type ND
| Billon | 0.75 g | 15 mm |
| Issuer | Genoa › Republic of Genoa (1139-1797) |
|---|---|
| Ruling authority | Commune (1139-1339) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 1270-1339 |
| Value | Quartaro/½ Obol (1⁄960) |
| Currency | Genovino (1139-1528) |
| Composition | Billon |
| Weight | 0.75 g |
| Diameter | 15 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Medal alignment ↑↑ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-05 |
| Numista | N#83165 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 90% |
Reverse
Cross pattée with a small trefoil in each angle.
Script: Latin (uncial)
Lettering: ✠ • C • V • R • N • A • D • V • S •
Lettering (regular font): ✠ • C • V • R • N • A • D • V • S •
Comment
Day et al. (MEC 12, p. 880) say the quartarolos are very low grade billon containing 2-3% silver, and assign them to the period of developed tri-metallic coinage starting from the 1270s. They are placed in classes along with other coin types based on punctuation and lettering styles:
Class N2. Griffin in beaded circle, facing left or right. Punctuation by annulets.
Class N3 (MEC 12# 246). Griffin right, punctuation by crosslets.
Class O (MEC 12# 250-252). Griffin right, punctuation obverse by trefoils, or by dots, with trefoils in corners of cross (main photo).
Class Q (MEC 12# 260-262). Griffin right, punctuation by dots both sides.
Interesting fact
The 1 Quartaro coin from Genoa features a unique design, with a gryphon on one side and a cross on the other. The gryphon is a mythical creature with the body of a lion and the head and wings of an eagle, symbolizing strength and courage. It was a popular motif in medieval art and architecture, and its use on the coin reflects the cultural influences of the time.