(sold for $10.0)

1709, Dalmatia & Albania (Venetian Rule). Copper Gazzetta (2 Soldi) Coin. F-VF

Mint Period: 1691-1709 Denominations: Gazetta (2 Soldi)  References: KM-9 ($70 in Fine!). Region: Dalmatia & Albania (Venetian rule) Condition: Minor greenish deposits, otherwise F-VF! Material: Copper Diameter: 28mm Weight: 5.6gm

Obverse: Nimbate winged lion of St. Marc facing. Value (I), flanked by stars below. Legend: * SAN * MARC * VEN * Exergie: *II* Reverse: Legend in three lines, terminated with rosettes above and below. Legend: * DALMA / E . T / ALBAN  *

About 1563, at the time of the war with the Turks, there appeared in Venice a manuscript record of passing events called " gazetta" from the little coin, long obsolete, which each one paid for the privilege of reading the news. The name has stuck, and ever since, a newspaper has often been called a gazette.

Zara is the Venetian, Austrian and Italian name of the Adriatic port city of Zadar (and its official name from the 15th to the 20th century), former capital of Dalmatia, in Croatia.