Austrian or Italian?

[Tom Mullally]

I recently purchased the following coin:

Meinhard II (1274-1306)
Obv: MEINARDVS - Short cross pattee over long cross pattee in saltier
Rev: +COMES TIROC - Eagle facing, head left, with wings spread.

Biaggi 1186, CNA 5

The dealer attributed it to Italy, Merano, and called it an AR Grosso Tirolino.  I have found the same coin attributed to Austria, Tyrol, Meran mint, and they called it an AR Zwainziger.  I understand that Meran is near the Austrian/Italian border, and at this time was actually part of the HRC, but what is the correct attribution of this coin?  Also, I've seen two regnal dates for Meinhard II, 1274-1306 and 1271-1295.

Thanks in advance,
Tom

[Jochen]

Tirol came to Italy not before 1919. It was always German in language and culture. Mostly it belonged to Bavaria. In the times of Meinhard II it was an autonomous state. The Zwainziger was the first German Grossus (big coin) made of silver.

I think it would be scientifically more correct to call the mints, cities and states states as they were called at the time when the coin was minted. But I have already read as mint of coin for Constantine I. Istanbul! Horrible!

Best regards

[BIRDSOFPREY]

Hello,

Your coin is a tirolino minted after 1270 at the mint in Merano.  Originally minted by Meinhard II as Count of Tyrol, this type continued immobilized until 1363.  It was valued at 20 pfennig, causing it to also be called a zwainziger.  I would say that this coin is definitely in the Austrian/German orbit. Hope this helps.

Cheers,
David

[Tom Mullally]

Thank you both, the name of Tyrol is clear in the legend, so I should have assumed Austria.  But I think what threw me off is that Biaggi is a book on Italian medieval coins.

Thanks,
Tom

[Meepzorp]

Hi folks,

Here is my Merano coin:

https://www.forumancientcoins.com/meepzorp/mi_merano_mesoc.htm

Meepzorp