Venice

Giovanni Dandolo, Doge of Venice 1280-1289

Fr-1215, PCGS-graded MS-64

Obverse depicts St. Mark standing right presenting banner to kneeling Doge. On the reverse Christ standing facing within stars, holding the gospel and raising hand in benediction. Rare, especially so well preserved with details sharply displaying the imagery of the ruling master.

As the 48th Doge of Venice, Dandalo ruled just over 9 years and introduced the gold Ducat in 1284 as coinage for Venice. It was always made with the same weight, 3.56 grams of 24 karat (99.7%) gold., thus became the standard of trusted money.