Venice

Andrea Contarini, Doge of Venice 1368-1382

Fr-1227, PCGS-graded MS-66

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. Evenly and sharply detailed.

Genoa and Venice were natural sea rivals. At the Battle of Chioggia in 1380, fought during the rule of Doge Andrea Contarini, Venice defeated Genoa and secured control of the Adriatic Sea. This enabled Venice to increase its maritime power significantly and lead to its long lasting trade dominance in the area.