Republic of Ragusa, Poludinarić from 1795

The Republic of Ragusa (Latin: Respublica Ragusina) was a patrician city-state that emerged from the medieval commune of Dubrovnik. It was established in 1358 and encompassed most of the present-day Dubrovnik-Neretva County.

The Republic of Dubrovnik was a territorially small, but wealthy state with highly developed trade and maritime affairs. As such, it traded with all the world powers of the time and managed to preserve its independence throughout its existence. The foundation of Dubrovnik's wealth was primarily intermediary trade. Dubrovnik acquired raw materials and ores in southeastern Europe and exported them to the West. It purchased technical and luxury goods in the West and exported them to neighboring countries.

In the 15th and 16th centuries, Dubrovnik was at the peak of its economic power and ranked among the most developed countries of the world at that time. Dubrovnik's merchant ships sailed throughout the Mediterranean, as well as the Atlantic and Indian Oceans.

The Republic of Ragusa ceased to exist as an independent state in 1808.

The independence and economic power of the Republic of Ragusa was reflected, among other things, in the fact that the Republic of Ragusa issued its own currency.

Dubrovnik currency had 15 different denominations and was minted over a period of 450 years, which resulted in a large number of different coin types and their variants.

One of those coins is the poludinarić. As the name suggests, a poludinarić is half a dinarić (or dinar). One poludinarić was worth 15 mincas. Coins of this type were issued between 1795 and 1796 and were minted at the Dubrovnik Mint. The author of the artistic design for these coins is Ivo Karlo Angeli or Giovanni Carlo Angeli.

In terms of their shape, these coins are round and have a diameter of approx. 23-24 mm, they are made of copper and have a mass of approx. 5-6 g. The rim of these coins is smooth.

On the obverse of the coin is the figure of Saint Blaise in episcopal vestments. On his head is a bishop's mitre, surrounded by a halo, a sign of holiness. The saint's right hand is raised in blessing, and in his left hand is a model of the city of Dubrovnik. The left hand also holds the crossee. To the left of the saint's figure is the number 17, and to the right is 95 or 96, denoting the year. Along the rim of the coin is a circular inscription in Latin: “PROT REIP RHAGVSINE”, which is an abbreviation of PROTECTOR RAEIPUBLICAE RHAHUSINAE (Protector of the Republic of Dubrovnik). The edge of the coin is decorated with a circular wreath.

On the reverse side of the coin is the figure of Jesus Christ. Jesus“ right hand is raised in a sign of blessing, and in his left hand is an orb with a cross (Globus Cruciger). Around Jesus” head is a halo, a sign of holiness. Along the edge of the coin is a circular inscription in Latin: “DEUS REFUG ET VIRTUS”, which is an abbreviation of DEUS REFUGIUM ET VIRTUS (God is refuge and strength). Below the figure of Jesus is the author's signature: "G" (from Giovanni). The edge of the coin is decorated with a circular wreath.