Italian States, Lucca, Enrico III, IV & V (1039-1125) AR Denaro

The currency of Lucca was highly valued in Europe as a means of exchange and trade. The Crusaders also relied on Lucca’s coins to pay for whatever services they required such as equipment, food, transport, soldiers etc. It was a truly international currency such as the Euro today. Trading with the whole of Europe through the centuries allowed the merchants of Lucca to gather considerable wealth and, in turn, they became money lenders and bankers with some of the most powerful families in Europe originating from Lucca. These coins were struck under Enrico (Henry) III, IV and V between 1039-1125 so are around 800-1000 years old and from a once extremely powerful currency.