Valori e disvalori simbolici delle monete : temi, problemi, interpretazioni

This paper intends to offer a survey on the wide theme of ritual uses of coins from classical Antiquity to early modern Italy, with particular enphasis and some debate on the medieval evidence. This topic has been the object of much research in recent times (from a revision of the 'Charon's obol in Antiquity, to medieval Christian graves, coins in the foundation of buildings and so on)and a rich bibliography is given. Points of debate are underlined. The paper is meant as an introduction to the volume of papers from 2 symposia on ''Valori e disvalori simbolici delle monete'', edited by the same author. Reviews have been published by J-P Callu in Revue Numismatique 2010, p. 595-6, and by R. CAntilena in Rivista Italiana di Numismatica 2010, pp. 459-469 (review article).