Venice

Domenico Contarini, Doge of Venice 1659-1675

Fr-1332, PCGS-graded Uncirculated Details

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. Centered and bold in detail.

Domenico Contarini was elected Doge at the age of 74. This continued the Venetian policy of electing older, and less ambitious Doges, who would not, “rock the boat”, with aggressive policies. Yet the Ottoman Wars continued, and Venice lost Crete, 30,000 soldiers, and 134 million Ducats.