The History and Significance of Zecchins, the Medieval Gold Coin

Zecchins (plural of zecchino) were a type of Venetian gold coin that was minted in the 14th and 15th centuries. The zecchino was equal to one-twentieth of a gold ducat, and it was widely used as a medium of exchange throughout Europe during this time period.

The name "zecchino" is derived from the Italian word "zecchina," which means "a small coin." The coin was named after the Zecchini family, who were prominent merchants in Venice and were responsible for minting the coins.

Zecchins were popular among merchants and traders because they were easy to divide into smaller denominations, making them useful for transactions of all sizes. They were also widely accepted as a form of payment throughout Europe, which made them a convenient and reliable medium of exchange.

Today, zecchins are no longer used as a form of currency, but they are still highly sought after by collectors due to their historical significance and rarity. Many zecchins have been preserved in museums and private collections, and they can be valuable additions to any collection of antique coins or medieval artifacts.