Il tesoro di Alberese. Un ripostiglio di fiorini d'oro del XIII secolo

The Alberese hoard of seventy-six gold florins, discovered in 1932 near Grosseto-Italy, is exceptionally important because it adds to the small number of known florin hoards that were closed during the coin’s first half-century (Pisa, Aleppo, Akko, Pavia). In fact, it is the only one completely recovered (most of the coins of other hoards were dispersed in the antiquarian market). Although originally dated to 1347, this new study clearly establishes that the hoard was closed before 1290-95, making it a good sample for the study of gold florins of the period of “unknown mintmasters” (1252-1303). Closer examination of privy marks, epigraphy and style of coins reveals new data. Some privy marks can better be identified with those described in the Libro della Zecca not previously identified and it is possible to propose a possible chronology of different issues. Research on documents of that time has also revealed the possible origins of the hoard.