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The Ghibelline Genovino: Genoese Coinage in the 14th Century

Written by Greta Gazzaniga

The historical and economic context: Genoa at the beginning of the 14th century

Genoa, like many other Italian cities, entered the 14th century in a period of political and economic crisis. Towards the end of the 13th century, the divide between Guelphs and Ghibellines led the city into a civil war, forcing the population to endure forty years of alternating rule between the two factions, alongside periods of external rule (signorie).

Furthermore, with the introduction of gold coinage in the preceding century, all of Italy had to modify its currency system to adapt to new economic standards. Genoa was no exception and issued gold genovini starting in 1252, permanently transitioning from a bimetallic to a trimetallic monetary system. In contemporary documents, this coin is known as the “Genoese fiorino“. Indeed it was required to match the Florin of Florence in weight, value, and purity.

The third-type Genovino: characteristics and style

Today we present a genovino classified as the third type. These coins display two distinct characteristics that place them chronologically between 1305–1306 and 1339, a period during which several denominations issued by Genoa were renewed and modified.

First, compared to earlier genovini, they have a higher weight, reaching approximately 3.53 grams. Second, the legend becomes more elaborate: the obverse features the inscription CONRADVS REX ROMANORVM, while the reverse reads IANVA QVAM DEVS PROTEGAT.

Stylistically, they retain the details of the previous Gothic coinage, featuring rosettes and trefoils inside an eight-lobed frame; in the center, the city gate appears on the obverse and the cross pattée on the reverse. This change can be traced back to the close relationship between the gold genovino and the silver grosso, which also increased in weight to around 2.90 grams.

The Eagle Symbol and the Ghibelline Mark

The main issue with Genoese coinage concerns its precise dating. Before Simone Boccanegra became doge of the city (1339), all coin production was formally attributed to Conrad III (II) of Swabia. They always featured a stylized representation of the city gates or a fortified building (IANUA in Latin means “gate”), alongside the cross pattée.

However, during these thirty years, symbols begin to appear on the coins that allow for a narrower chronological timeframe. So-called “Guelph” or “Ghibelline” coins are in fact distinguished by the symbol present at the end of the reverse legend: a lion or the imperial eagle, respectively.

Nomisma Aste, Asta 12, Lotto 271, GENOVA Governo ghibellino (1334-1336) Genovino

Auction 12, Lot 271, GENOA Ghibelline government (1334-1336) Genovino

In this case, Lot 271 presented in our Auction 12 is a Ghibelline genovino, as the eagle is clearly visible. Ghibelline coins are rarer than Guelph ones, as they were issued for a shorter period.

The Political Context and New Hypotheses on the Dating of the Ghibelline Genovino

Following a period of political instability, the city was placed under the control of Henry VII of Luxembourg starting in 1309. Upon his death in 1313, a new civil war broke out. Between 1314 and 1317, Genoa was governed by the Ghibelline party. Later the Guelphs succeeded in transferring power to Robert of Anjou, known as “the Wise”, who remained in power until his death in 1335. Subsequently, the Ghibelline party prevailed through a final revolt, leading to the rise of Simone Boccanegra, the first Doge of Genoa, and the beginning of the so-called Ducal period.

The dating of this genovino is generally placed by scholars between 1334 and 1336. However, more recent research suggests that it could be dated earlier to the 1311–1313 period, coinciding with the first Ghibelline government.

This doubt arises from a comparison with the Guelph genovino. Maintaining the traditional dating, the latter would have been minted between 1317 and 1335—a very long timeframe during which the mint would have produced a single type without variants, which is a rather anomalous situation.

This would suggest that both versions of the genovino were minted during shorter, more limited periods. The Ghibelline issues between 1311 and 1313, coinciding with the reign of Henry VII of Luxembourg (who was supported by the Ghibelline party); and the Guelph issues starting from 1317, in connection with the revolt that led to the establishment of Robert of Anjou. Unfortunately, there is still no definitive evidence to support this hypothesis.

A Rare Find for Collectors: The Ghibelline Genovino in Auction 12

Their minting, which took place within such a limited timeframe, makes these coins an extraordinary numismatic rarity. Despite the intense political tensions of the period, the Genoese mint managed to ensure exceptional craftsmanship, capturing the enduring interest of the most discerning collectors. Finding a specimen in such a perfect state of preservation is an exceptionally rare opportunity!

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