Offered is an exceedingly rare token issued by the Cafe-bar Garibaldi during the Italian administration of Zara (now Zadar, Croatia), likely issued in the period 1918-21. This cafe had issued other tokens clearly denominated in Centesimi which allows for the approximate dating of this piece, although little else is known about these tokens, or their issuer.
Zadar had long been an important trading centre, leading to many merchants settling in the city through the course of the centuries. By far the two largest groups were the Italians and the Croats, who co-existed until the latter 19th century. Following the unification of Italy, the Italian majority became progressively more aggressive in wanting to join the kingdom - a trend which was not looked upon fondly by Austrian authorities, who favoured Croat administrators and culture so as to soften any potential Italian claim to the city. Following the collapse of the Austro-Hungarian Empire at the end of the First World War, Zadar first proclaimed for the DSHS, but was occupied by Italian forces in 1918, and eventually awarded to Italy by the Treaty of Rapallo in 1920. It then became an Italian enclave named Zara, and being isolated from the rump kingdom, faced constant logistical issues such as shortage of small change.
This brass token is one of only 4 that we have located from this issuer (2 being extremely battered 80c pieces, and the third being a 10c of similar style), and is by far the most appealing survivor that we have managed to track. In general, pre-war tokens from anywhere in this region are rare, but pieces from Zara are extremely so, making this a great opportunity for geographic or historic collectors alike!
Offered is an exceedingly rare token issued by the Cafe-bar Garibaldi during the Italian administration of Zara (now Zadar, Croatia), likely issued in the period 1918-21. This cafe had issued other tokens clearly denominated in Centesimi which allows for the approximate dating of this piece, although little else is known about these tokens, or their issuer.
Zadar had long been an important trading centre, leading to many merchants settling in the city through the course of the centuries. By far the two largest groups were the Italians and the Croats, who co-existed until the latter 19th century. Following the unification of Italy, the Italian majority became progressively more aggressive in wanting to join the kingdom - a trend which was not looked upon fondly by Austrian authorities, who favoured Croat administrators and culture so as to soften any potential Italian claim to the city. Following the collapse of the Austro-Hungarian Empire at the end of the First World War, Zadar first proclaimed for the DSHS, but was occupied by Italian forces in 1918, and eventually awarded to Italy by the Treaty of Rapallo in 1920. It then became an Italian enclave named Zara, and being isolated from the rump kingdom, faced constant logistical issues such as shortage of small change.
This brass token is one of only 4 that we have located from this issuer (2 being extremely battered 80c pieces, and the third being a 10c of similar style), and is by far the most appealing survivor that we have managed to track. In general, pre-war tokens from anywhere in this region are rare, but pieces from Zara are extremely so, making this a great opportunity for geographic or historic collectors alike!
