Few know that in Montalcinello, right in the central square of the village, coins were minted for the bishops of Volterra. In the 13th century, the Volterra mint was moved from Montieri (considered no longer safe due to its silver mines contested by Massa Marittima, Siena, and Volterra) to some premises facing the central square of the village of Montalcinello, guarded day and night. A new coin called the “crosa” was also minted (see images below), depicting the figure of the Bishop in pontifical attire.
In medieval times, hosting a mint meant being able to boast political and economic significance of absolute prestige.
Source: Serpi E., “Montalcinello: origin and events of a community”, 1997.
