Venice

Nicolo Contarini, Doge of Venice 1630-1631

Fr-1307, PCGS-graded MS-62

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. Very rare; a light scuff or two but choice for this issue, with bold details overall.

This brief reign of just 15 months saw the issue of numerous gold dedominations from 1/4 Zecchino to the multiple 25-zecchini. The bubonic plague of 1629-31 killed a third of Venice’s population.