This rare double taler coin gives a glimpse of the Italian Middle Ages.

5.8 centimeters in diameter and 37 grams in weight, it appears spectacularly oversized. However, it was typical of European 17th century coins, perhaps because of rising national pride as well as plentiful supplies of silver from the New World and from Central Europe.

The obverse design is a Maltese cross with cherub faces in the angles. The proud Latin legend announces the origin of the coin “The Duke and Governor of the Republic of Genoa.”

The reverse shows the Blessed Virgin and Christ Child on a cloud surmounted by 10 stars. The surrounding Latin inscription continues that on the obverse: “Our gracious Lord Jesus rules both of them.”

Genoa, a strategically located Italian seaport, was a center for trade and commerce during the Middle Ages. Gaining independence under Admiral Andrea Doria in 1528 it became a dominant republic and colonial power until 1798 when it submitted to Napoleon’s empire.

Double Taler Coin. Genoa. 1656. Silver.

Double Taler Coin. Genoa. 1656. Silver.

The actual denomination of ‘scudo’ does not appear on the coin itself. It would have been inferred from the size and weight of the coin. Since literally hundreds of European states and communities issued coins of their own during this period, often in local denominations, international trade necessitated size and weight standardization.

Taler refers to coins of a standard size and weight. Originally such coinage was called Joachminsthal (meaning valley of Joachmin) after the location in Bohemia where they were first mined and struck starting in 1519. This was shortened to thaler or taler, eventually evolving into our modern denomination dollar. While this coin is a double taler, even larger coins of up to six times the size and weight of this series were also struck.

This coin was part of a collection generously donated as a Gift of the Illini Club of the Phillipines, Courtesy of Dr. Pedro Javier, class of 1925 (MA 1926).