Help with my first ancient coin!

[Slvr]

Hi. I am fairly new to coin collecting and recently had an opportunity to purchase
My first ancient coin. 
I am having a hard time with identification. Looks somewhat like a Greek coin but I can't find one like it.
Looks and sounds like silver.
15-16 mm
.825 grams
Any info. On origin, era, or links to information will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks

[Pekka K]

Medieval coin from Genoa,like: http://www.mcsearch.info/record.html?id=1145267

Pekka K

[Slvr]

Thanks! I appreciate the help.

[Meepzorp]

Hi Slvr,

Yes, Pekka is correct. It is a Medieval silver coin minted in Genoa, Italy. It is probably a common denaro, but it could be a scarcer grosso-type coin. The city of Genoa started striking coins in 1139 A.D.

The obverse inscription reads: "IANVA". This is an old/Latin spelling of Genoa ("Genova" in Italian). It is a reference to the Roman god Janus.

The reverse inscription reads: "CVNRAD...". This is a reference to Holy Roman Emperor Conrad (II ?), who was highly revered and beloved by the Genoese people, even hundreds of years after he died.

You and I have something in common. That was the first ancient coin I ever purchased also. But I did it for a reason. I am a third generation American of Italian descent. My paternal grandparents came from Genoa, Italy. I specialize in collecting Genoese coins.

Meepzorp

[Slvr]

Great information! Thank you. I have so much to learn.
How do I find out if my coin is a denaro or grosso type?

[Meepzorp]

How do I find out if my coin is a denaro or grosso type?

Hi Slvr,

You find out by looking it up online or in a reference book. Fortunately, I have Varesi's MIR series of reference books, which cover Italian Medieval coins. Volume #2 covers Liguria and Piemonte.

The Genoese denaro and grosso both have the same exact inscriptions on both sides. You determine which coin it is by the weight. Your coin weighs 0.8g. A grosso would be much heavier than that (1.05g and up). A Genoese denaro weighs 0.39g to 1.06g. This makes your coin a Genoese Mi (billon) denaro.

Here is the info from Varesi MIR:

Obverse: IANVA, castle
Reverse: CVNRADI REX, cross patente
References: Varesi MIR 16, CNI 1/69

It is a very common coin.

Meepzorp

[Slvr]

Thanks meepzorp. I appreciate your effort and time.
Ancient coins are definitely much more complicated than the more modern coins.
Much more interesting though.