Collectible Coins - Francesco Gnecchi And Roman Medallions

Gnecchi Francesco was born in 1847 in the heart of a wealthy family of textile manufacturers specialized in the production of silk. He studied law at the University of Pavia, but after getting his degree, began to address the family business, an activity that combined with painting, producing mainly works of a landscape. Gnecchi began collecting Roman coins from 1870 and in a few years, his collection grew to become a basis for his studies, a series of pamphlets published in conjunction with his brother Ercole Gnecchi. Along with the latter and other enthusiasts, Francesco 1888 participated in the founding of the Rivista Italiana di Numismatica, initially led by Solon Ambrosoli and, later, by him and his brother. In its pages published important contributions to many fields of Roman numismatics. This magazine keeps appearing on continuously since that year and is now one of the most prestigious in this field. In 1892, Gnecchi was also one of the founders of the Italian Numismatic Society which still has its headquarters in Milan and carries forward the issue of the magazine.

 The rigor and quality of the work of Francesco earned him rapid international recognition and in 1906 was awarded the medal of the Royal Numismatic Society of London. His great contribution is the study of Roman medallions. Early on, Gnecchi became interested in particularly Roman medallions which concentrated its efforts as a collector and numismatist. Result of this interest, appeared in 1912 his most important work,

I Medaglioni Romani, in three volumes (the second and third with two parts each). Despite having already served a century, this work remains a source of reference and essential reference for these pieces.

Unfortunately, although it is in the public domain for decades, it is not available online in full as its only two parts have been digitized at the site including archive.org. Francesco died in 1919 and he continued to buy collectible coins (http://www.americancointreasures.com/Coin_Collections_Gifts_s/222.htm)until his last days coming to gather some 20,000 pieces in total of all periods of Roman history, but especially rich in medallions. One of his most notable was the magnificent ‘Senigallia Medallion’ which was discovered in 1894 and bought by Gnecchi. Fortunately, the unique value of the collection was recognized and the Italian state purchased it to their heirs in 1923.

The Reign Of Philip, The Arab & The Celebration Of The Millennium Of The Founding Of Rome

The Ascent To The Throne Of Philip

The reign of Gordian III (238-244 AD) was marked by a permanent military crisis caused by the threat of the Goths on the Danube and, above all, of the Persians in the East, under the leadership of Ardashir captured several border towns. Gordian environment was consolidated as Timesitheus regime's strongman, who as praetorian prefect was virtually in charge of the political and military leadership, even to marry his teenage daughter to the sovereign. In late 242, Gordian came to Antioch with a large army and in the spring of 243 began offensive operations, which were crowned by significant initial successes, reaching the Roman troops to the Persian capital of Ctesiphon itself.

Such was the momentum of the attack that even Timesitheus illness and death in the second half of 243 could not stop. Philip replaced him as praetorian prefect and the Roman army went into Assyria and went to the left bank of the Euphrates not far from Ctesiphon. In mid-February of 244, Roman forces suffered a serious defeat. Gordian III died in the battle himself or was killed by his own men soon after.

Coins money was always an important part if the history, in fact, it was the only currency in those times so they always has to use it as the main currency means. Now it is not in practice, but people love to collect it as a hobby and Indian head cents and the Roman coins.

Philip was quickly chosen as successor, thereby, originating from ancient authors to suspect a possible intervention to Gordian III. The new sovereign immediately proceeded to negotiate peace with Shapur. Deep within enemy territory in a desperate logistical situation and in front of an army demoralized and defeated, Philip agreed to pay a huge sum in form of gold coins to ensure the withdrawal, the equivalent of 500 thousand dinars of gold and the recognition that belonged to Armenia Persian sphere of influence. It was not, however, unconditional surrender, the re-conquered territories in Mesopotamia were retained, and the dinar coin money was given as payment of ransom and tribute for establishing a newspaper.