Genoese Luigino
Italy
1580–1797
Reference data compiled from public catalogs
Estimated Melt Value
$486.98
Based on Gold spot price ($4,816.78/oz) · 90.0% purity · 3.494g
Updated 12:48 PM
Collector premium not included
Specifications
| Country | Italy |
| Years Minted | 1580–1797 |
| Composition | Gold |
| Weight | 3.494 g |
| Diameter | 18 mm |
| Shape | Round |
Design
Obverse
Features the coat of arms of Genoa or a bust of the doge.
Reverse
Depicts a cross or religious symbols.
History & Notable Facts
The Genoese Luigino borrowed its design from the French Louis d'or, a clever nod to facilitate trade across borders.
This gold coin, minted by the Republic of Genoa from 1580 to 1797, typically weighed around 3.5 grams and featured the Genoese cross on one side. Variations appeared over the years, reflecting changes in leadership or alloy sources. We know some were struck in Genoa itself, but exact minting locations for later issues remain murky—records weren't always kept with the precision we'd like.
Its value equated to about four soldi, making it useful for merchants but a headache for counterfeiters. I've seen plenty of these in my three decades; the myths about hidden treasures are tiresome. No one knows the precise mintage numbers; they vanished with time's dust.
Genoa's bankers probably chuckled at how a coin so small could carry such heft in negotiations.
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