Venice

Francesco Molin, Doge of Venice 1646-1655

Fr-1318, PCGS-graded AU-55

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. Slight flan crease and light abuse.

Francesco Molin became involved in a costly, long drawn out war against the Turks. This war, basically unwinnable, bankrupted the Venetian treasury. The Doge sought to raise money by selling entry into the Venetian nobility for 100,000 ducats. This cheapened the significance and power of the nobility.