Curators Choice – A Venetian Soldino in Lincolnshire

During the Medieval period the Venetians were great traders. Their trading networks spanned the Mediterranean and stretched across Europe. Venetian trading galleys set off for England in May and once there, stayed until August or September, when they set off to return home. Whilst in England, Venetian sailors bought items with their Venetian coins – the soldino.

Soldino means ‘little-shilling’, and the coins were obviously useful to the English economy as their use became widespread. The coins were nicknamed galyhalpens, or Galley-halfpence, after the Venetian Galley-men who imported them.

In this video, Collections Assistant Archaeology Catherine Knight, takes a closer look at an Italian Medieval coin from the Republic of Venice in the Museum’s collection.

Focus On

Curators Choice – Fowler’s Mosaics

A closer look at William Fowler of Winterton’s engravings of mosaics.

Watch the film

Curators Choice – Stukeley’s Itinerarium Curiosum

A closer look at William Stukeley’s book, the Itinerarium Curiosum.

Watch the film

Curators Choice – The Flintlock Flint

A closer look at gunflints.

Watch the film

Curators Choice – Samian Pottery

A closer look at Roman Samian pottery.

Watch the film

Curators Choice – Ulceby Bronze Age Beaker

A closer look at the interesting history of the Ulceby Bronze Age Beaker.

Watch the film

Curators Choice – The Unassuming Plough Pebble

A closer look at Medieval plough pebbles.

Watch the film

Curators Choice – The Wroot Axe

A closer look at the Neolithic Wroot Axe.

Watch the film