Venetian Grosso (Matapan)
Country of Origin: Republic of Venice
Year of Issue: circa 1289-1311
Denomination: 1 Grosso
Composition: Silver (.965 fine)
Brief Description
A thin, hammered medieval silver coin featuring two figures standing on one side and a seated religious figure on the other, noteably holed for use as jewelry.
Historical Significance
The Venetian Grosso, or Matapan, was the dominant trade currency of the Mediterranean in the 13th and 14th centuries. It was widely imitated due to its consistent weight and high silver purity.
Estimated Value
$20-$40 (Heavily discounted due to the hole; unholed specimens range $80-$150)
Care Instructions
Store in a PVC-free flip. Avoid cleaning or rubbing, as medieval silver is fragile. The hole suggests it was once worn as a pendant.
Mint Mark
None (Venice Mint)
Mintage & Rarity
Common for the period; millions were struck to facilitate trade.
Weight & Diameter
Approx. 2.18g (standard) / 20-22mm diameter
Edge
Plain / Hammered
Apparent Grade
Fine/Very Fine (Details); Damaged/Holed
Obverse (Front)
Doge (ruler) standing on the left and St. Mark standing on the right, both holding a banner between them. Inscribed with the Doge's name (likely Pietro Gradenigo based on visible letters).
Reverse (Back)
Christ Pantocrator enthroned, facing forward, holding the Book of Gospels. To the sides, the IC-XC initials (Jesus Christ).
What Drives This Coin's Value
The hole significantly reduces numismatic value. Rarity is determined by identifying the specific Doge named in the legend.
Similar Coins
Byzantine silver trachea or Serbian imitations of the Venetian Grosso which used similar iconography.
Authenticity & Counterfeit Red Flags
Check for weight consistency and 'casting' bubbles. Genuine pieces are hammered, showing irregular edges and slight varying thickness.
Notable Varieties & Errors
Varieties exist based on the specific Doge (e.g., Enrico Dandolo, Pietro Gradenigo, Giovanni Dandolo).
Created At: 2026-06-04T19:16:18.928312