Diversity in Numismatics
Cayman Islands


Obverse
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Reverse
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Coin Details

  

Set Details
Coin Description: 1GR 1139-1339 Genoa Biaggi-838
Grade: NGC MS 62
Owner: RAM-VT
 
Set Category: Other (Diverse collecting in the style of Garrett while on a very limited budget)
Set Name: Diversity in Numismatics
Slot Name: Cayman Islands
Research: Currently not available

Owner's Description

Italy – Genoa Silver Grosso – 1139 – 1339 MS-62 Biaggi-838 Census - NGC does provide census data on Italian coins from this time period :>( The Greeks were in the area of Genoa during the 6th & 5th centuries BC, but the fine harbor probably was in use much earlier, perhaps by the Etruscans. It is also probable that the Phoenicians had bases in Genoa, or in the nearby area, since an inscription with an alphabet similar to that used in Tyre has been found. Before 1100, Genoa emerged as an independent city-state, one of a number of Italian city-states during this period. Nominally, the Holy Roman Emperor was overlord and the Bishop of Genoa was president of the city; however, actual power was wielded by a number of "consuls" annually elected by popular assembly. Genoa was one of the so-called "Maritime Republics" (Repubbliche Marinare), along with Venice, Pisa, and Amalfi and trade, shipbuilding and banking helped support one of the largest and most powerful navies in the Mediterranean. Through Genoese participation on the Crusades, colonies were established in the Middle East, in the Aegean, in Sicily and Northern Africa. The collapse of the Crusader States was offset by Genoa’s alliance with the Byzantine Empire, which opened opportunities of expansion into the Black Sea and Crimea. When I purchased this coin it was identified as as an annonomous issue from Genoa’s trading post at Caffa. The Black Death was imported into Europe in 1347 from the Genoese trading post at Caffa (Theodosia) in Crimea, on the Black Sea. To say the least I would be lying if I said I was anything but overjoyed to own an uncirculated specimen of this coin. I purchased this coin in the late 70’s or early 80’s at a coin show in Maryland. Evidently a horde of these coins were found and well known dealers bought up lots of these coins. A dealer friend of mine dumped out a small box full of these coins onto his table and said I could have my pick for $10. I looked down and this coin just screamed out at me. I believe this was because compared to all the other coins this was an obvious winner. My cost $10

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