Asper - Peter of Aubusson ND (1476-1503) front Asper - Peter of Aubusson ND (1476-1503) back
Asper - Peter of Aubusson ND (1476-1503) photo
© Jean Elsen & ses Fils s.a.

Asper - Peter of Aubusson ND

 
Silver 1.63 g -
Description
Issuer
Order of the knights of Rhodes (Frankish Greece)
Grandmaster
Peter of Aubusson (1476-1503)
Type
Standard circulation coin
Years
1476-1503
Value
Asper (½)
Currency
Gigliato (1310-1522)
Composition
Silver
Weight
1.63 g
Shape
Round (irregular)
Technique
Hammered
Demonetized
Yes
Updated
2024-10-04
References
Numista
N#407975
Rarity index
100%

Reverse

St. John the Baptist, nimbate and standing, holding lamb in left hand, banner of the order behind him at right.

Script: Latin (uncial)

Lettering: S · IOhANNI ·B · OSPITAL

Lettering (regular font): S · IOHANNI ·B · OSPITAL

Translation: Saint John the Baptist (patron of) Hospitallers

Interesting fact

One interesting fact about the Asper coin is that it was used as a form of currency during the Frankish Greece period, specifically in the 15th century. It was made of silver and weighed 1.63 grams, which was a significant amount for a coin at that time. The coin's design featured an image of Peter of Aubusson, who was a prominent figure in the Order of the Knights of Rhodes. Despite its small size, the Asper coin played an important role in the economy of the time and is now considered a valuable collector's item.