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Holy Roman Empire, City of Trieste, Bishop Volrico de Portis, Denarius

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Holy Roman Empire, City of Trieste, Bishop Volrico de Portis, Denarius (obverse) Holy Roman Empire, City of Trieste, Bishop Volrico de Portis, Denarius (reverse)

The coinage of late medieval Italy was predominantly issued in the name of cities. Coins in the name of a bishop, like this denarius, are rare. The legend on the obverse of the coin reveals that it was minted in the name of bishop Volrico de Portis (1234-1254). The bishop had himself depicted holding a crosier and a bible with three balls. The reverse of the denaro indicates the city of origin: CIVITAS TERGES, city of Trieste. The image shows Saint Just carrying a palm leaf and a bible. The two towers on either side of Just point to a city or a church.

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