Obverse

Reverse

1 Grosso

Venetian Grosso (Matapan)

Republic of Venice · circa 1289-1311

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.

Country: Republic of Venice
Year: circa 1289-1311
Denomination: 1 Grosso
Metal: Silver (.965 fine)
Grade: Fine/Very Fine (Details); Damaged/Holed

This report is AI-generated and can be wrong. Always verify grade, authenticity, and value with a qualified dealer or certified grading service before buying, selling, or insuring.

Identified June 4, 2026More republic of venice coins →

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Overview

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.

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).

Estimated value

$20-$40 (Heavily discounted due to the hole; unholed specimens range $80-$150)

What drives this coin's value

The hole significantly reduces numismatic value. Rarity is determined by identifying the specific Doge named in the legend.

Grade assessment

Fine/Very Fine (Details); Damaged/Holed

Mintage & rarity

Common for the period; millions were struck to facilitate trade.

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).

Similar coins

Byzantine silver trachea or Serbian imitations of the Venetian Grosso which used similar iconography.

Care & preservation

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.

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