Venice

Pietro Gradenigo, Doge of Venice 1289-1311

Fr-1216, M49, PCGS-graded MS-63

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. A fabulous ducat with full details.

Although not a rarity, this second ducat is exemplar and truly superb. It depicts Mark, the patron saint of Venice, standing toward the right blessing the Doge, who kneels before him holding a cross-tipped staff. On the reverse side, Christ is depicted facing the viewer, his hand raised giving the benediction, holding the Gospels, and surrounded by the mandorla of 16 stars, an almond-shaped panel representing heavenly glory.