Q: What is the history behind the Grosso coin?

With the collapse of the Byzantine Empire, the city state of Venice stepped up as the worlds leading maritime power.  Introduced in 1192 A.D., the grosso was widely circulated throughout the Mediterranean due to it`s uniformity of silver content and size.  Venice developed trade alliances throughout the world and the recognized quality of this coin facilitated this trade.   

The true purchasing power of the coin can be found in historical trade records.  As an example a pound of beef cost a 1/2 grosso while wine in a tavern could be purchased for about 1/10 of a grosso per liter.  There are even accounts of poor families renting out their children as professional beggars for one grosso per day.

Trade in the entire Mediterranean area was dependant on the grosso coin for hundreds of years. Neighboring countries such as Bulgaria and Serbia even copied this coin for their own usage.

The coins featured an image of Christ on the obverse and on the reverse the image of the Doge, or ruling Governor of Venice standing beside St. Mark, the patron Saint of Venice.

1.  On either side of Christ`s head the letters IC-XC in Greek, for Jesus Christos.

2.  Images of Christ, the Saints, and the Virgin Mary had a halo surrounding their heads symbolic of the light of grace bestowed by God.

3.  Christ is pictured seated on his throne in Heaven.

4.  In Christ`s lap is a Bible with 5 circles imprinted on the cover.  This represents the five wounds inflicted on Jesus during the crucification.  During the middle ages the five wounds were an important reminder of the sacrifice of Christ.

5.  Christ is shown with bare feet symbolizing his association with the common man.