Grosso Guelfo of 5 Soldi 6 Denari ND (1448-1454) front Grosso Guelfo of 5 Soldi 6 Denari ND (1448-1454) back
Grosso Guelfo of 5 Soldi 6 Denari ND (1448-1454) photo
© Numismatica Ars Classica NAC AG

Grosso Guelfo of 5 Soldi 6 Denari ND

 
Silver (.9583) 2.3 g 24 mm
Description
Issuer
Republic of Florence (Italian States)
Period
Republic of Florence (1115-1532)
Type
Standard circulation coin
Years
1448-1454
Value
5 Soldi 4 Denari (4⁄15)
Currency
Fiorino (1115-1532)
Composition
Silver (.9583)
Weight
2.3 g
Diameter
24 mm
Shape
Round (irregular)
Technique
Hammered
Demonetized
Yes
Updated
2024-10-05
References
Numista
N#409806
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: · SANTVS · IOANNES · BATISTA

Engraver: Giovanni di Amerigo Benci

Comment

Spelling variants are known.

 

Correspondance of dates and mint master's marks:

 

1452 - 2d semester MIR 61/9 (main photos).  Benci arms with letter G above (for Giovanni Benci)

 

1453 - 1st semester MIR 61/10.  Shield divided vertically (for Simone di Francesco di Simone Guidicci)

© Numismatica Ranieri

 

1453 - 2d semester MIR 61/11.  Shield with rampant lion left, letter A above (for Alessandro di Antonio di Iacopo Del Vigna):

© Classical Numismatic Group

 

1454 - 1st semester MIR 61/12.  Rampant wolf left, letter R above (for Roberto Altoviti):

© Numismatica Ranieri

Interesting fact

One interesting fact about the Grosso Guelfo of 5 Soldi 6 Denari ND (1448-1454) from Republic of Florence (Italian States) is that it was minted during a time of great economic and political change in Italy. The coin was issued during the reign of Cosimo de' Medici, also known as Cosimo the Elder, who was a powerful banker and politician who played a significant role in the rise of the Medici family and the city of Florence. The coin's design features the image of Saint John the Baptist, the patron saint of Florence, on one side, and the Florentine lily on the other, symbolizing the city's independence and prosperity. Despite its small size, this coin is a valuable piece of history that reflects the economic and political changes that were taking place in Italy during the 15th century.