Holy Roman Empire, City of Trieste, Bishop Volrico de Portis, Denarius

The coinage of late medieval Italy was predominantly issued in the name of cities. Coins in the name of a bishop, like this denarius, are rare. The legend on the obverse of the coin reveals that it was minted in the name of bishop Volrico de Portis (1234-1254). The bishop had himself depicted holding a crosier and a bible with three balls. The reverse of the denaro indicates the city of origin: CIVITAS TERGES, city of Trieste. The image shows Saint Just carrying a palm leaf and a bible. The two towers on either side of Just point to a city or a church.