Soldo
Encyclopedia
Soldo was the name an Italian medieval silver coin, issued for the first time in the late 12th century at Milan
by Emperor Henry VI
. The name derives from the late Roman coin solidus
.
It quickly became widespread in Italy where it was coined in Genoa
, Bologna
and numerous other cities. In Venice
, the soldo was minted since the reign of Francesco Dandolo
, remaining in use also after the republic's dissolution in 1797 and during the Austrian occupation, until 1862. In the 14th century Florence
, a soldo equalled 1/20 of a lira and 12 denari.
As time passed, the soldo started to be coined in billon
and, from the 18th century, in copper
. During the reign of Leopoldo II of Tuscany
(19th century), it was worth 3 quattrini
. The Napoleonic reformation of Italian coinage (early 19th century) made it worth 5 cents, while 20 soldi were needed to form a lira.
The term, used in medieval times to designate the pay of soldiers, became its synonym in both Italian and German
(as sold).
Milan
Milan is the second-largest city in Italy and the capital city of the region of Lombardy and of the province of Milan. The city proper has a population of about 1.3 million, while its urban area, roughly coinciding with its administrative province and the bordering Province of Monza and Brianza ,...
by Emperor Henry VI
Henry VI, Holy Roman Emperor
Henry VI was King of Germany from 1190 to 1197, Holy Roman Emperor from 1191 to 1197 and King of Sicily from 1194 to 1197.-Early years:Born in Nijmegen,...
. The name derives from the late Roman coin solidus
Solidus
Solidus may refer to:*Solidus , the "⁄" grammatical punctuation character, also used in mathematics*Slash a sign, "/" used as a punctuation mark and for various other purposes...
.
It quickly became widespread in Italy where it was coined in Genoa
Genoa
Genoa |Ligurian]] Zena ; Latin and, archaically, English Genua) is a city and an important seaport in northern Italy, the capital of the Province of Genoa and of the region of Liguria....
, Bologna
Bologna
Bologna is the capital city of Emilia-Romagna, in the Po Valley of Northern Italy. The city lies between the Po River and the Apennine Mountains, more specifically, between the Reno River and the Savena River. Bologna is a lively and cosmopolitan Italian college city, with spectacular history,...
and numerous other cities. In Venice
History of Venice
Venice is a city in Italy. It was also an independent republic from the late 8th century to 1792.*For the history of the city, see History of the city of Venice.*For the Republic, see History of the Republic of Venice....
, the soldo was minted since the reign of Francesco Dandolo
Francesco Dandolo
Francesco Dandolo was the 52nd Doge of Venice. He ruled from 1329 to 1339. During his reign Venice began its policy of extending its territory on the Italian mainland.- Family :...
, remaining in use also after the republic's dissolution in 1797 and during the Austrian occupation, until 1862. In the 14th century Florence
History of Florence
Florence is a major historical city in Italy, distinguished as one of the most outstanding economical, cultural, political and artistic centres in the peninsula from the late Middle Ages to the Renaissance.-Prehistoric evidence:...
, a soldo equalled 1/20 of a lira and 12 denari.
As time passed, the soldo started to be coined in billon
Billon (alloy)
Billon is an alloy of a precious metal with a majority base metal content . It is used chiefly for making coins, medals, and token coins.The word comes from the French bille....
and, from the 18th century, in copper
Copper
Copper is a chemical element with the symbol Cu and atomic number 29. It is a ductile metal with very high thermal and electrical conductivity. Pure copper is soft and malleable; an exposed surface has a reddish-orange tarnish...
. During the reign of Leopoldo II of Tuscany
Leopold II, Grand Duke of Tuscany
Leopold II of Tuscany was the last reigning grand duke of Tuscany ....
(19th century), it was worth 3 quattrini
Quattrino
The quattrino is an ancient Italian currency denomination largely used in Central Italy, especially in Tuscany. Its name derives from the latin quater denari, because its value was equal to four denari. Consequently, its value was one third of a soldo...
. The Napoleonic reformation of Italian coinage (early 19th century) made it worth 5 cents, while 20 soldi were needed to form a lira.
The term, used in medieval times to designate the pay of soldiers, became its synonym in both Italian and German
German language
German is a West Germanic language, related to and classified alongside English and Dutch. With an estimated 90 – 98 million native speakers, German is one of the world's major languages and is the most widely-spoken first language in the European Union....
(as sold).