© Éditions V. Gadoury
© Éditions V. Gadoury
Denier "Provisino" - Roman Senate ND
| Billon | 0.96 g | 18 mm |
| Issuer | Papal States |
|---|---|
| Period | Roman Senate (1184-1439) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 1188-1252 |
| Value | 1 Denier (1 Picciolo) (1⁄24) |
| Currency | Groschen (1188-1534) |
| Composition | Billon |
| Weight | 0.96 g |
| Diameter | 18 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-09 |
| Numista | N#155375 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 89% |
Reverse
"S" flanked by two horizontal half moons above comb-like instrument with 11 teeth.
Script: Latin
Lettering: ROMA CAPVT MVN
Unabridged legend: Roma Caput Mundi
Translation: Rome, head of the world.
Comment
The design of the provisino was based on the type minted in Provins for the Counts of Champagne (NE France), which was known as denier provinois (see link below). The wool comb on the reverse of this denier showed a wool comb, a reference to one of the main industries in Provins. It was circulating widely in Central Italy by the mid-12th century and the Roman mint simply copied it because it was an established type.Production lasted until the late 1200's.
Interesting fact
The "Provisino" denier coin from the Papal States, made of billon and weighing 0.96g, is interesting because it was issued during a time of great political and religious upheaval in Europe. The coin was minted during the reign of Pope Innocent IV (1243-1254), who was involved in a power struggle with the Holy Roman Emperor, Frederick II. The coin's design, featuring the image of the Roman Senate, highlights the Papal States' connection to ancient Rome and its claims to temporal power. Despite its small size and relatively low value, the "Provisino" denier is a significant artifact of medieval European history.
