Definition

• The name given to a variety of the Grosso (q.v.) which was first struck by Enrico Dandulo, Doge of Venice, from 1192 to 1205. The etymology of the word is uncertain, but it is known that the Venetians took part in the fourth Crusade in the year 1204, the result of which was the annexation by Venice of several islands and territories in the Aegean Sea, among them being Morea. As the Venetians retained possession of this section for some time, and probably established mints there, the name may be connected with Cape Matapan in Morea.

  The Matapan usually has on one side a figure of the Doge receiving a banner from St. Mark, the patron saint of Venice, and on the reverse a figure of Christ seated on a throne.

  These coins were extensively struck up to the beginning of the fifteenth century, and were copied by the Balkan States. The Matapan was succeeded by the Grossetto (q.v.).

Quelle

• Frey's Dictionary (American Journal of Numismatics, Vol. 50, 1916)

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