© Numismatica Varesi
© Numismatica Varesi
Mezzo ½ Giulio - Alessandro ND
| Silver | 1.6 g | 23 mm |
| Issuer | Grand Duchy of Tuscany (Italian States) |
|---|---|
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 1532-1537 |
| Value | ½ Giulio (0.1) |
| Currency | Fiorino (1115-1532) |
| Composition | Silver |
| Weight | 1.6 g |
| Diameter | 23 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-05 |
| Numista | N#307300 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Bust of Saint John the Baptist, nimbate and tilted left. Cross-tipped staff on his left shoulder
Script: Latin
Lettering: ✜S✜ IOANNES • BAPTISTA
Engraver: Benvenuto Cellini
Comment
Alessandro was the first Medici ruler of Florence to be granted the title Duke.Interesting fact
One interesting fact about the Mezzo (½) Giulio - Alessandro coin from the Grand Duchy of Tuscany is that it was minted during the reign of Duke Alessandro de' Medici, who was the first Duke of Florence to be appointed by the Holy Roman Emperor, Charles V. This coin was minted as part of a series of coins that were introduced by Alessandro to help stabilize the economy of the Grand Duchy, which had been struggling due to inflation and debasement of the currency. The Mezzo Giulio coin was equivalent to half of a standard Giulio coin and was made of silver, weighing 1.6 grams. Despite its small size, this coin played an important role in the economy of the time and is now a valuable collector's item for numismatists.