Grosso Guelfo of 5 Soldi 6 Denari ND
| Silver (.9583) | 2.5 g | 23.5 mm |
| Issuer | Republic of Florence (Italian States) |
|---|---|
| Period | Republic of Florence (1115-1532) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 1402-1406 |
| Value | 5 Soldi 6 denari (11⁄40) |
| Currency | Fiorino (1115-1532) |
| Composition | Silver (.9583) |
| Weight | 2.5 g |
| Diameter | 23.5 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-05 |
| Numista | N#320182 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 97% |
Reverse
Saint John the Baptist, nimbate and enthroned, right hand raised in benediction with Guelph arms at fingertips, and cross-tipped staff on his left shoulder. Right foot divides legend, which ends with mintmaster's mark
Script: Latin
Lettering: • S • IOHANNESB ĀTISTĀ
Engraver: Bartoloméo di Giovanni Carducci
Comment
The earliest type of grosso guelfo has the reverse legend abbreviated S IOHANNES (or similar)
Variations in the spelling are common. Obverse legend can start with DET TIBI and/or end with VER
Reverse legend can have N in IOHANNES which look like H, or BAPTIST' at end. For 1403, Semester I the legend has SANCTVS spelled out.
The mintmaster's sign at the end of reverse legend can be used to determine the date of issue:
1402,Semester I - Francesco Ardinghelli (MIR 58/1)
1402, Semester II - Giovanni Baroncelli (MIR 58/2)
1403, Semester I - Barduccio di Cherichino (MIR 58/3)
Copyright Numismatica Ranieri
1403, Semester II - Nicolo di Iacopo Guasconi (MIR 58/4)
Copyright InAsta
1404, Semester I - Nicolo Castellani (MIR 58/5)
1404, Semester II - Pietro Bonciani (MIR 58/6)
1405, Semester I - Bartolomeo di Giovanni Carducci (MIR 58/7) - Main photos
1405, Semester II - Bartolomeo Bartolini (MIR 58/8)
Copyright Fritz Rudolph Kunker
1406, Semester I - Giovanni di Bicci de Medici (MIR 58/9)
Copyright Classical Numismatic Group
1406, Semester II - Nicolo di Roberto Davanzati (MIR 58/10)
Copyright Numismatica Ars Classica
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about the Grosso Guelfo of 5 Soldi 6 Denari ND (1402-1406) from Republic of Florence (Italian States) is that it was minted during a time of significant political and economic change in Italy. The coin was issued during the reign of Giovanni di Bicci de' Medici, who was a powerful banker and politician who played a key role in the development of the Renaissance. The coin's design, which features the image of a knight on horseback, was meant to symbolize the power and prestige of the Medici family and the Republic of Florence. Despite its small denomination, the coin was made of silver, which was a valuable and sought-after metal at the time, reflecting the wealth and prosperity of the region.
