Venice

Jacopo Contarini, Doge of Venice 1275-1280

Paolucci 1; Biaggi 2783, PCGS-graded AU-58

Obverse depicts the Doge and St. Mark standing facing, holding a banner between them. On the reverse Christ enthroned. Exceptional details, well centered and unusually fine.

Contarini was a compromise candidate for the position of Doge. Old and feeble when elected, he disappointed nobody, accomplished little, and soon retired to a monastery.