Guelfo of 4 soldi ND (1345-1346) front Guelfo of 4 soldi ND (1345-1346) back
Guelfo of 4 soldi ND (1345-1346) photo
© Numismatica Ranieri

Guelfo of 4 soldi ND

 
Silver 2.38 g 23 mm
Description
Issuer
Republic of Florence (Italian States)
Period
Republic of Florence (1115-1532)
Type
Standard circulation coin
Years
1345-1346
Value
4 Soldi (⅕)
Currency
Fiorino (1115-1532)
Composition
Silver
Weight
2.38 g
Diameter
23 mm
Shape
Round (irregular)
Technique
Hammered
Demonetized
Yes
Updated
2024-10-05
References
Numista
N#307416
Rarity index
100%

Reverse

St John the Baptist seated on a wide chair, holding a cross-tipped staff in his right hand, and a scroll with the word ECCE in his left hand

Script: Latin

Lettering:
✠ SANTVS• IOHĀNN ES• BĀTISTĀ★*
ECCE

Translation: Saint John the Baptist

Comment

There is some disagreement on the attribution of this type in the literature:
- CNI XII, p.43 lists the guelfo of 4 soldi of 1345-1346, but describes a different coin with a lower weight.
- Bernocchi (#67) calls this coin a guelfo of 20 denari of 1277-1297, a coin which does not appear in CNI.

Interesting fact

One interesting fact about the Guelfo of 4 soldi ND (1345-1346) coin from the Republic of Florence (Italian States) is that it was made during a time of significant economic and political change in Europe. The coin was issued during the reign of Pope Clement VI, who was known for his lavish spending and patronage of the arts, which helped to fuel the growth of the Renaissance. Additionally, the coin was minted during a period of increased trade and commerce between Italy and other European countries, which led to the spread of new ideas and technologies. The fact that this coin was made of silver, a valuable and widely used metal at the time, highlights the importance of trade and commerce in the region.