Obverse: Winged lion of St. Mark seated left, supporting the gospel with front legs. Obverse legend: PRO REGNI CYPRI PRAESIDIO [on behalf of the garrison of the kingdom of Cyprus]. Reverse: (Above the reverse legend there is a little cupid which refers to the island as the mythological birthplace of Aphrodite). Reverse legend: VENETORUM FIDES INVIOLABILIS BISANTE [the loyalty of the Venetians is unshakable]. This copper coin was struck in Famagusta during the siege of the city in 1570 to pay soldiers and to purchase provisions. Intended to pass as a bezant, it was issued by Marc Antonio Bragadino. This coin was the last coin of any sort to be struck on the island during the Venetian period and the last coin pertaining to Cyprus until the appearance of the modern coinage of Queen Victoria in 1879. Dimension: 2.5cm
mmr-00671 > Copper coin of Venetian Period, Copper, 1570
This item is not currently exhibited, but you can see more related exhibits on the four floors of the CVAR.
