THE LEVANT. The Levant - Italy. Timmin, AH (10)80 (1669/70). Ottoman Empire. PCGS AU-55 Gold Shield.Wilski-Tim.01. Arabic script countermark "Naqd sahih 80" (Legal tender) applied to a 1663 Massa Di Lunigiano 8 Bolognini of Alberico II Cybo Malaspina. A strongRARE /stronghost coin for this strongSCARCE/strong issue that is seldom seen in the marketplace. Countermark well applied though slightly uneven. An attractive example with luster in the protected areas displaying lovely golden grey tone accentuated by light iridescent patina. Countermark ALMOST UNCIRCULATED.Trade between the East and West has been conducted since ancient times, most famously on the Silk road and the Spice route. The term "Timmin" is derived from the Arabic word tumm meaning 1/8 which also happened to be the exchange rate during this time (1 Taler for 8 coins of 5 sols). Many European countries conducted trade in the Eastern part of the Mediterranean such as the Italians, French and the British. The Levant Company (Compagnie du Levant) was founded 18 July 1670 by Jean-Baptiste Colbert with the aim of exporting textiles such as cotton, silk and wool to the Ottoman Empire and import manufactured goods to France. From the Kyle Ponterio Collection.Ex: Hans Wilski Collection.
