Fiorino Vecchio of 12 denari ND (1230-1260) front Fiorino Vecchio of 12 denari ND (1230-1260) back
Fiorino Vecchio of 12 denari ND (1230-1260) photo
© simoneo80

Fiorino Vecchio of 12 denari ND

 
Silver (.906) 1.73 g 20 mm
Description
Issuer
Republic of Florence (Italian States)
Period
Republic of Florence (1115-1532)
Type
Standard circulation coin
Years
1230-1260
Value
12 Denari (1⁄20)
Currency
Fiorino (1115-1532)
Composition
Silver (.906)
Weight
1.73 g
Diameter
20 mm
Shape
Round (irregular)
Technique
Hammered
Demonetized
Yes
Updated
2024-10-05
References
Numista
N#74703
Rarity index
91%

Reverse

Saint John is shown from the waist up, with beaded halo, his right hand raised in blessing, with left hand holding an staff with cross leaning on the shoulder. All within beaded circle

Script: Latin

Lettering: ✠ S'IOHANNE • B •

Unabridged legend: Sanctus Johannes Baptista

Translation: Saint John the Baptist

Comment

Several subtypes have been identified in the literature.

MIR 34 (CNI 1, 2 "Group 1") 1230-1237. Mass normally 1.7 - 1.8 g.
Obverse legend ✠ • FLOR ENTIA •
Reverse legend ✠ • IOHANNES • B • Saint John's bust is wide, and his halo appears linear or nearly so (not beaded)

© Numismatica Varesi

MIR 35 (CNI 3-7, "Group 2") Mass usually 1.7 - 1.8 g.
Obverse legend ✠ FLOR ENTIA • (variants in puntuation exist)
Reverse legend ✠ IOHANNES • B • (variants in punctuation exist). Saint John's bust is similar to above, and his halo is beaded.

© Numismatica Varesi

MIR 36 (CNI 8-9, "Group 3") 1250-1256 Mass usually 1.7 - 1.8 gr.
Obverse legend ✠ FLOR ENTIA •
Reverse legend ✠ IOHANNES • B • Saint John's bust is slightly narrower, his hair is longer on right, and trefoil in field at right

© Numismatica Ars

MIR 37 - 38 (CNI 12-18 "Groups 5-7) Mass is normally 1.5 - 1.7 gr.
Obverse legend ends with star.
Reverse legend ✠ 'S'IOHANNE • B • Saint John has long hair, field to right is empty except for staff and cross
(Main photos)

Interesting fact

One interesting fact about the Fiorino Vecchio coin is that it was used as a standardized form of currency across the Italian States during the 13th century, promoting trade and commerce across the region.