Venice

Francesco Corner, Doge of Venice 1656

Fr-1324, PCGS-graded MS-63

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. His coinage is exceedingly rare, some softness in detail but the image of Christ is especially charming.

Coming from a wealthy family, Corner (also known as Cornaro), the 101st doge, served Venice selflessly, reluctantly accepting his election as Doge. His dogado became famous for being the shortest in the history of the Venetian Republic: he was elected on May 17, 1656 and died on June 5 of the same year.