Venice

Cristoforo Moro, Doge of Venice 1462-1471

Fr-1234, PCGS-graded MS-65

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. Somewhat doubled in strike with areas not fully detailed but having choice surfaces.

Moro’s reign began soon after the Turks conquered Constantinople. This was a fearful time for the Christian world, and Venice was asked by Pope Pius II to join the fight against the Turks and the aggressive Sultan, Mehmed II. Venice did join the fight, but little was accomplished, and Venice’s treasury became depleted.