Venetiansoldinopage

Metal detecting holidays in England with the World's most successful metal detecting club.

Twinned with Midwest Historical Research Society USA

Venetian Soldino hammered silver coins

Legends and history

During the early 15th and early 16th centuries the English economy experienced so serious a shortage of English-struck halfpennies that people began using foreign coinage to fill the gap. The coin they used was the Venetian soldino.

The Venetians were notorious traders in the late medieval period with trade networks covering the Mediterranean and Europe. The Venetian fleet of galleys set out for England during May and stayed there until late August or early September, During these summer months soldini entered the English economy through trade with Venetian merchants and quickly became widespread across England. The soldino, meaning ‘little shilling’ became nicknamed the ‘galyhalpens’, or Galley-halfpence, after the ‘Galley-men’ who imported them. While the general population was enjoying these new exotic coins, the government was grappling with two major problems. The first was that the soldino was an illegally imported coin, and the second was that it weighed slightly less than an English halfpenny but mimicked it nonetheless. Soldini therefore became a particular source of irritation for the English government. During the early 15th century port-officials were charged with confiscating any soldini they came across and were later given the powers to forcibly search the galleys. Contemporary documents show large quantities of soldini being seized at London, Dover and Southampton. By the 1420s the English government eventually persuaded the Venetian senate to forbid the export of soldini, which effectively stemmed the flow of the coins into England. This success was short lived however, as large quantities of coins were imported once more by Venetian merchants in the early 16th century.

Venetian soldini span the period c.1382-1526. The dates of these coins show that the majority entered England in two substantial incursions: the first 1400- c.1415 under Doge Michele Steno, and the second c.1501-21 under Doge Leonardo Loredan

Type 1
Obverse: [Doge’s Name] DVX; Doge standing left, holding banner; mint control marks in right field
Reverse: S MARCVS VENETI; Winged lion of St Mark, holding book of gospels

Type 2
Obverse: [Doge’s Name] DVX; Doge standing left, holding banner; mint control marks in right field
Reverse: No Legend; Winged lion of St Mark, holding book of gospels, all within a quatrefoil with four external annulets between the lobes

Type 3
Obverse: [Doge’s Name] DVX (in exergue), S M V; Doge holding banner and kneeling before St Mark
Reverse: LAVS TIBI SOLI (Praise To Thee Alone); Standing figure of Christ facing, haloed and holding cross; mint control marks in exergue

The Doges
The doges of Venice from the late 14th to mid 16th century are listed below with the types they are known to have struck. It should be noted that their names are spelt in various ways, depending on whether they are rendered in English, Italian or Latin, and they are often very abbreviated on the coins.

Andrea Contarini 1368-1382 (Type 1)

Italian States-Venice, Andrea Contarini as Doge (1368-1382), Soldino, 1369-1379, Second Type, First Issue, Venice Mint, Filippo Barbarigo (May 10, 1370-May 18, 1385) as Mintmaster for Silver
+ ANDR ' 9-TAR DVX
Doge standing left, holding banner
F in left field
+ . S . MARCVS . VENETI .
Winged lion of St. Mark facing left, holding book with both front paws all in inner circle
Plain Edge
14mm x 15mm, 0.49g, Silver
Paolucci 35.4

Michele Morosini 1382
Antonio Venier 1382-1400 (Type 1)

Italian States-Venice, Antonio Venier as Doge (1382-1400), Soldino, Venice Mint
+ ANTON VE_NERIO DVX
Doge standing left, holding banner, * / P in right field
+ . S . MARCVS . VENETI .
Winged lion of St. Mark facing left, holding book with both front paws all in inner circle
Plain Edge
15mm x 17mm, 0.40g, Silver

Italian States-Venice, Antonio Venier as Doge (1382-1400), Soldino, Venice Mint
+ . ANTO. VE_NERIO DVX .
Doge standing left, holding banner, * | F across fields
+ . S . MARCVS . VENETI .
Winged lion of St. Mark facing left, holding book with both front paws, all in inner circle
Plain Edge

Michele Steno 1400-1413 (Type 1)

Italian States-Venice, Michele Steno as Doge (1400-1413), Soldino, Venice Mint
+ MICHELE-STEN . DVX
Doge standing left, holding banner, * / m in right field
+ . S . MARCVS . VENETI .
Winged lion of St. Mark facing left, holding book with both front paws all in inner circle
Plain Edge
15mm x 16mm, 0.41g, Silver

Tomaso Mocenigo 1414-1423 (Type 1)
Francesco Foscari 1423-1457 (Type 1)
Pasquale Malipiero 1457-1462
Cristoforo Moro 1462-1471
Nicolo Tron 1471-1473 (Type 2)
Nicolo Marcello 1473-1474
Pietro Mocenigo 1474-1476
Andrea Vendramin 1476-1478
Giovanni Mocenigo1478-1485
Marco Barbarigo 1485-1486
Agostino Barbarigo 1486-1501 (Type 3)
Leonardo Loredan 1501-1521 (Type 3)
Antonio Grimani 1521-1523
Andreas Gritti 1523-1538 (Type 3)
Pietro Lando 1539-1545

Type 1
Obverse: [Doge’s Name] DVX; Doge standing left, holding banner; mint control marks in right field
Reverse: S MARCVS VENETI; Winged lion of St Mark, holding book of gospels


Doge Michele Steno (1400-1413). Obv: MICHAEL STEN' DVX (Michele Steno, Doge). Doge standing left, holding standard. Rev: S MARCVS VENETI (Saint Mark of Venice). Winged and nimbate lion of Saint Mark facing. Doge standing left, holding banner, * / m in right field	Doge Michele Steno (1400-1413). Obv: MICHAEL STEN' DVX (Michele Steno, Doge). Doge standing left, holding standard. Rev: S MARCVS VENETI (Saint Mark of Venice). Winged and nimbate lion of Saint Mark facing.

Doge Michele Steno (1400-1413). Obv: MICHAEL STEN' DVX (Michele Steno, Doge). Doge standing left, holding standard. Rev: S MARCVS VENETI (Saint Mark of Venice). Winged and nimbate lion of Saint Mark facing. Doge standing left, holding banner, * / D in right field	Doge Michele Steno (1400-1413). Obv: MICHAEL STEN' DVX (Michele Steno, Doge). Doge standing left, holding standard. Rev: S MARCVS VENETI (Saint Mark of Venice). Winged and nimbate lion of Saint Mark facing. Doge standing left, holding banner, * / m in right field

Doge Michele Steno (1400-1413). Obv: MICHAEL STEN' DVX (Michele Steno, Doge). Doge standing left, holding standard. Rev: S MARCVS VENETI (Saint Mark of Venice). Winged and nimbate lion of Saint Mark facing. 0.34g,14.40mm	Antonio Venier (1382-1400) AD hammered Soldino silver Venetian coin

Antonio Venier (1382-1400) AD hammered Soldino silver Venetian coin	Doge Michele Steno (1400-1413). Obv: MICHAEL STEN' DVX (Michele Steno, Doge). Doge standing left, holding standard. Rev: S MARCVS VENETI (Saint Mark of Venice). Winged and nimbate lion of Saint Mark facing. Doge standing left, holding banner, * / m in right field 0.32g, 15.29mm

Doge Michele Steno (1400-1413). Obv: MICHAEL STEN' DVX (Michele Steno, Doge). Doge standing left, holding standard. Rev: S MARCVS VENETI (Saint Mark of Venice). Winged and nimbate lion of Saint Mark facing. Doge standing left, holding banner, * / m in right field	Antonio Venier (1382-1400) Venetian Soldino hammered silver coin

Antonio Venier (1382-1400) AD hammered Soldino silver Venitian coin	Doge Michele Steno (1400-1413). Obv: MICHAEL STEN' DVX (Michele Steno, Doge). Doge standing left, holding standard. Rev: S MARCVS VENETI (Saint Mark of Venice). Winged and nimbate lion of Saint Mark facing.

Doge Michele Steno (1400-1413). Obv: MICHAEL STEN' DVX (Michele Steno, Doge). Doge standing left, holding standard. Rev: S MARCVS VENETI (Saint Mark of Venice). Winged and nimbate lion of Saint Mark facing.	Doge Michele Steno (1400-1413). Obv: MICHAEL STEN' DVX (Michele Steno, Doge). Doge standing left, holding standard. Rev: S MARCVS VENETI (Saint Mark of Venice). Winged and nimbate lion of Saint Mark facing. Doge standing left, holding banner, * / m in right field

Venetian Soldino issued by Doge Michele Steno (1400-1413). Obv: MICHAEL STEN' DVX (Michele Steno, Doge). Doge standing left, holding standard. Rev: S MARCVS VENETI (Saint Mark of Venice). Winged and nimbate lion of Saint Mark facing. Doge standing left, holding banner, * / D in right field	Venetian Soldino issued by Doge Michele Steno (1400-1413). Obv: MICHAEL STEN' DVX (Michele Steno, Doge). Doge standing left, holding standard. Rev: S MARCVS VENETI (Saint Mark of Venice). Winged and nimbate lion of Saint Mark facing.

Doge Michele Steno (1400-1413). Obv: MICHAEL STEN' DVX (Michele Steno, Doge). Doge standing left, holding standard. Rev: S MARCVS VENETI (Saint Mark of Venice). Winged and nimbate lion of Saint Mark facing.	Doge Michele Steno (1400-1413). Obv: MICHAEL STEN' DVX (Michele Steno, Doge). Doge standing left, holding standard. Rev: S MARCVS VENETI (Saint Mark of Venice). Winged and nimbate lion of Saint Mark facing.

Doge Michele Steno (1400-1413). Obv: MICHAEL STEN' DVX (Michele Steno, Doge). Doge standing left, holding standard. Rev: S MARCVS VENETI (Saint Mark of Venice). Winged and nimbate lion of Saint Mark facing. Doge standing left, holding banner, * / D in right field	15thC Venetian hammered silver soldino

Doge Michele Steno (1400-1413). Venetian soldino hammered silver coin Obv: MICHAEL STEN' DVX (Michele Steno, Doge). Doge standing left, holding standard. Rev: S MARCVS VENETI (Saint Mark of Venice). Winged and nimbate lion of Saint Mark facing.	Italian States-Venice, Michele Steno as Doge (1400-1413), Soldino, Venice Mint + MICHELE-STEN . DVX Doge standing left, holding banner, * / m in right field + . S . MARCVS . VENETI . Winged lion of St. Mark facing left, holding book with both front paws all in inner circle Plain Edge 15mm x 16mm, 0.41g, Silver

Italian States-Venice, Antonio Venier as Doge (1382-1400), Soldino, Venice Mint + . ANTO. VE_NERIO DVX . Doge standing left, holding banner, * \| F across fields + . S . MARCVS . VENETI . Winged lion of St. Mark facing left, holding book with both front paws, all in inner circle Plain Edge	Italian States-Venice, (1382-1400), Soldino Doge standing left, holding banner, * \| F across fields Winged lion of St. Mark facing left, holding book with both front paws, all in inner circle Plain Edge

Italian States-Venice, Antonio Venier as Doge (1382-1400), Soldino, Venice Mint + . ANTO. VE_NERIO DVX . Doge standing left, holding banner, * Z across fields + . S . MARCVS . VENETI . Winged lion of St. Mark facing left, holding book with both front paws, all in inner circle Plain Edge	Venetian Soldino issued by Doge Michele Steno (1400-1413). Obv: MICHAEL STEN' DVX (Michele Steno, Doge). Doge standing left, holding standard. Rev: S MARCVS VENETI (Saint Mark of Venice). Winged and nimbate lion of Saint Mark facing.

Taco'd c1400 Venetian AD hammered silver soldino Rev: S MARCVS VENETI (Saint Mark of Venice). Winged and nimbate lion of Saint Mark facing.	Italian States-Venice, Antonio Venier as Doge (1382-1400), Soldino, Venice Mint + ANTON VE_NERIO DVX Doge standing left, holding banner, * / P in right field + . S . MARCVS . VENETI . Winged lion of St. Mark facing left, holding book with both front paws all in inner circle Plain Edge

14thC Venetian hammered silver soldino	14thC Venetian hammered silver soldino

Doge Michele Steno (1400-1413). Obv: MICHAEL STEN' DVX (Michele Steno, Doge). Doge standing left, holding standard. Rev: S MARCVS VENETI (Saint Mark of Venice). Winged and nimbate lion of Saint Mark facing. Doge standing left, holding banner, * / m in right field	Type 1 Obverse: [Doge’s Name] DVX; Doge standing left, holding banner; mint control marks in right field Reverse: S MARCVS VENETI; Winged lion of St Mark, holding book of gospels Doge Michele Steno (1400-1413) Venetian soldino silver coin . Obv: MICHAEL STEN' DVX (Michele Steno, Doge). Doge standing left, holding standard. Doge standing left, holding banner, * / m in right field

15thC Venetian silver soldino Obverse: [Doge’s Name] DVX; Doge standing left, holding banner; mint control marks in right field Reverse: S MARCVS VENETI; Winged lion of St Mark, holding book of gospels	15thC Venetian hammered silver soldino

16thC Venetian silver soldino Obverse: [Doge’s Name] DVX; Doge standing left, holding banner; mint control marks in right field Reverse: S MARCVS VENETI; Winged lion of St Mark, holding book of gospels	15thC Venetian silver soldino Obverse: [Doge’s Name] DVX; Doge standing left, holding banner; mint control marks in right field Reverse: S MARCVS VENETI; Winged lion of St Mark, holding book of gospels

Michele Steno 1400-1413 (Type 1) Italian States-Venice, Michele Steno as Doge (1400-1413), Soldino, Venice Mint + MICHELE-STEN . DVX Doge standing left, holding banner, * / m in right field + . S . MARCVS . VENETI . Winged lion of St. Mark facing left, holding book with both front paws all in inner circle Plain Edge	Italian States-Venice, Antonio Venier as Doge (1382-1400), Soldino, Venice Mint + . ANTO. VE_NERIO DVX . Doge standing left, holding banner, * \| F across fields + . S . MARCVS . VENETI . Winged lion of St. Mark facing left, holding book with both front paws, all in inner circle Plain Edge Type 1 Obverse: [Doge’s Name] DVX; Doge standing left, holding banner; mint control marks in right field Reverse: S MARCVS VENETI; Winged lion of St Mark, holding book of gospels

Michele Steno 1400-1413 (Type 1) Italian States-Venice, Michele Steno as Doge (1400-1413), Soldino, Venice Mint + MICHELE-STEN . DVX Doge standing left, holding banner, * / m in right field + . S . MARCVS . VENETI . Winged lion of St. Mark facing left, holding book with both front paws all in inner circle Plain Edge	Michele Steno 1400-1413 (Type 1) Italian States-Venice, Michele Steno as Doge (1400-1413), Soldino, Venice Mint + MICHELE-STEN . DVX Doge standing left, holding banner, * / m in right field + . S . MARCVS . VENETI . Winged lion of St. Mark facing left, holding book with both front paws all in inner circle Plain Edge

Doge Michele Steno (1400-1413). Obv: MICHAEL STEN' DVX (Michele Steno, Doge). Doge standing left, holding standard. Rev: S MARCVS VENETI (Saint Mark of Venice). Winged and nimbate lion of Saint Mark facing. Doge standing left, holding banner, * / D in right field	15thC Venetian soldino silver coin

Doge Michele Steno (1400-1413). Obv: MICHAEL STEN' DVX (Michele Steno, Doge). Doge standing left, holding standard. Rev: S MARCVS VENETI (Saint Mark of Venice). Winged and nimbate lion of Saint Mark facing. Doge standing left, holding banner, * / m in right field	Italian States-Venice, Antonio Venier as Doge (1382-1400), Soldino, Venice Mint + . ANTO. VE_NERIO DVX . Doge standing left, holding banner, * \| F across fields + . S . MARCVS . VENETI . Winged lion of St. Mark facing left, holding book with both front paws, all in inner circle Plain Edge

Michele Steno 1400-1413 (Type 1) Italian States-Venice, Michele Steno as Doge (1400-1413), Soldino, Venice Mint + MICHELE-STEN . DVX Doge standing left, holding banner, * / m in right field + . S . MARCVS . VENETI . Winged lion of St. Mark facing left, holding book with both front paws all in inner circle Plain Edge


Type 2 Obverse: [Doge’s Name] DVX; Doge standing left, holding banner; mint control marks in right field Reverse: No Legend; Winged lion of St Mark, holding book of gospels, all within a quatrefoil with four external annulets between the lobes

Nicolò Tron (1471-1473) Venetian soldino hammered silver coin Nicolò Tron (1471-1473) Obv: NI.TRON VS.DVX. Paolucci 4, Papadopoli 17 0.26g, 12.11mm
Type 3 Obverse: [Doge’s Name] DVX (in exergue), S M V; Doge holding banner and kneeling before St Mark Reverse: LAVS TIBI SOLI (Praise To Thee Alone); Standing figure of Christ facing, haloed and holding cross; mint control marks in exergue

1501-1521Leonardo Lauredan, Doge 0.26g,12.08mm Rev: LAVS TIBI SOLI (Thee Alone be Praised). Haloed figure of Christ holding a cross. Obv: LE LAV DVX S M V (Leonardo Lauredan, Doge. St Mark of Venice.) Doge kneeling before Saint Mark.	1501-1521Leonardo Lauredan, Doge Rev: LAVS TIBI SOLI (Thee Alone be Praised). Haloed figure of Christ holding a cross. Obv: LE LAV DVX S M V (Leonardo Lauredan, Doge. St Mark of Venice.) Doge kneeling before Saint Mark.

Venezia, Agostino Barbarigo LXXXIV Doge (1486-1501) Soldino o Marchetto (AR) Biaggi 2938 D/ AV.BAR.S.M.V.DUX / S.Marco a s., il Doge a d. R/LAVS TIBI SOLI / il Redentore	1501-1521Leonardo Lauredan, Doge Rev: LAVS TIBI SOLI (Thee Alone be Praised). Haloed figure of Christ holding a cross. Obv: LE LAV DVX S M V (Leonardo Lauredan, Doge. St Mark of Venice.) Doge kneeling before Saint Mark.

1501-1521 Leonardo Lauredan, Doge Rev: LAVS TIBI SOLI (Thee Alone be Praised). Haloed figure of Christ holding a cross. Obv: LE LAV DVX S M V (Leonardo Lauredan, Doge. St Mark of Venice.) Doge kneeling before Saint Mark.	1501-1521 Leonardo Lauredan, Doge Rev: LAVS TIBI SOLI (Thee Alone be Praised). Haloed figure of Christ holding a cross. Obv: LE LAV DVX S M V (Leonardo Lauredan, Doge. St Mark of Venice.) Doge kneeling before Saint Mark.

1501-1521 Leonardo Lauredan, Doge Rev: LAVS TIBI SOLI (Thee Alone be Praised). Haloed figure of Christ holding a cross. Obv: LE LAV DVX S M V (Leonardo Lauredan, Doge. St Mark of Venice.) Doge kneeling before Saint Mark.	1501-1521 Leonardo Lauredan, Doge Rev: LAVS TIBI SOLI (Thee Alone be Praised). Haloed figure of Christ holding a cross. Obv: LE LAV DVX S M V (Leonardo Lauredan, Doge. St Mark of Venice.) Doge kneeling before Saint Mark.

1501-1521). Venetian Soldino ham 1501-1521 Leonardo Lauredan, Doge Rev: LAVS TIBI SOLI (Thee Alone be Praised). Haloed figure of Christ holding a cross. Obv: LE LAV DVX S M V (Leonardo Lauredan, Doge. St Mark of Venice.) Doge kneeling before Saint Mark.	1501-1521 Leonardo Lauredan, Doge Rev: LAVS TIBI SOLI (Thee Alone be Praised). Haloed figure of Christ holding a cross. Obv: LE LAV DVX S M V (Leonardo Lauredan, Doge. St Mark of Venice.) Doge kneeling before Saint Mark.

1501-1521 Leonardo Lauredan, Doge Rev: LAVS TIBI SOLI (Thee Alone be Praised). Haloed figure of Christ holding a cross. Obv: LE LAV DVX S M V (Leonardo Lauredan, Doge. St Mark of Venice.) Doge kneeling before Saint Mark.	1501-1521 Leonardo Lauredan, Doge Rev: LAVS TIBI SOLI (Thee Alone be Praised). Haloed figure of Christ holding a cross. Obv: LE LAV DVX S M V (Leonardo Lauredan, Doge. St Mark of Venice.) Doge kneeling before Saint Mark.

1501-1521 Leonardo Lauredan, Doge Rev: LAVS TIBI SOLI (Thee Alone be Praised). Haloed figure of Christ holding a cross. Obv: LE LAV DVX S M V (Leonardo Lauredan, Doge. St Mark of Venice.) Doge kneeling before Saint Mark.	1501-1521 Leonardo Lauredan, Doge Rev: LAVS TIBI SOLI (Thee Alone be Praised). Haloed figure of Christ holding a cross. Obv: LE LAV DVX S M V (Leonardo Lauredan, Doge. St Mark of Venice.) Doge kneeling before Saint Mark.

Agostino Barbarigo LXXXIV Doge (1486-1501) Soldino o Marchetto (AR) Biaggi 2938 D/ AV.BAR.S.M.V.DUX / S.Marco a s., il Doge a d. R/LAVS TIBI SOLI / il Redentore	1501-1521 Leonardo Lauredan, Doge Rev: LAVS TIBI SOLI (Thee Alone be Praised). Haloed figure of Christ holding a cross. Obv: LE LAV DVX S M V (Leonardo Lauredan, Doge. St Mark of Venice.) Doge kneeling before Saint Mark. 0.27g, 12.02mm

1501-1521 Leonardo Lauredan, Doge Rev: LAVS TIBI SOLI (Thee Alone be Praised). Haloed figure of Christ holding a cross. Obv: LE LAV DVX S M V (Leonardo Lauredan, Doge. St Mark of Venice.) Doge kneeling before Saint Mark.	Agostino Barbarigo LXXXIV Doge (1486-1501) Soldino o Marchetto (AR) Biaggi 2938 D/ AV.BAR.S.M.V.DUX / S.Marco a s., il Doge a d. R/LAVS TIBI SOLI / il Redentore

1501-1521 Venetian soldino Leonardo Lauredan, Doge Rev: LAVS TIBI SOLI (Thee Alone be Praised). Haloed figure of Christ holding a cross. Obv: LE LAV DVX S M V (Leonardo Lauredan, Doge. St Mark of Venice.) Doge kneeling before Saint Mark.	1501-1521 Leonardo Lauredan, Doge Rev: LAVS TIBI SOLI (Thee Alone be Praised). Haloed figure of Christ holding a cross. Obv: LE LAV DVX S M V (Leonardo Lauredan, Doge. St Mark of Venice.) Doge kneeling before Saint Mark.

1501-1521 Leonardo Lauredan, Doge Rev: LAVS TIBI SOLI (Thee Alone be Praised). Haloed figure of Christ holding a cross. Obv: LE LAV DVX S M V (Leonardo Lauredan, Doge. St Mark of Venice.) Doge kneeling before Saint Mark.	1501-1521 Leonardo Lauredan, Doge Rev: LAVS TIBI SOLI (Thee Alone be Praised). Haloed figure of Christ holding a cross. Obv: LE LAV DVX S M V (Leonardo Lauredan, Doge. St Mark of Venice.) Doge kneeling before Saint Mark.

Taco'd 1501-1521 Venetian soldino	Agostino Barbarigo LXXXIV Doge (1486-1501) Soldino o Marchetto (AR) Biaggi 2938 D/ AV.BAR.S.M.V.DUX / S.Marco a s., il Doge a d. R/LAVS TIBI SOLI / il Redentore

1501-1521 Leonardo Lauredan, Doge Rev: LAVS TIBI SOLI (Thee Alone be Praised). Haloed figure of Christ holding a cross. Obv: LE LAV DVX S M V (Leonardo Lauredan, Doge. St Mark of Venice.) Doge kneeling before Saint Mark.