Venetian Soldo of Crete

The most striking thing about the Venetian Soldo of Crete is that it bore the winged lion of St. Mark, a symbol of Venetian power, on a humble copper coin minted far from the lagoons of Venice.

This coin was produced during the Republic's long occupation of the island, from 1211 until the Ottoman conquest in 1669. Struck from copper, often irregular planchets that suggest hasty recycling of available metal, it served as small change for local markets and taxes. We know the designs varied slightly over the centuries, with the lion prominent on the obverse and perhaps a cross or inscription on the reverse, but exact details depend on the specific issue.

Mintage records are patchy at best; many were likely destroyed in later conflicts. That said, finding one in decent condition today is a minor miracle, given how they circulated through sweaty palms and salty air.

It's no wonder these coins are overlooked—copper doesn't glitter like gold.