(продана за $168.0)

1709, Doges of Venice, Giovannni Cornaro II. Gold Zecchino Ducat Coin. VF-

Mint Period: 1409-1722
Doge: Giovanni Cornaro II (1409-1722)
Denomination: Zecchino (Venetian Ducat)
Reference: Gamberini 835, Friedberg 1318. R!
Condition: Pierced and creased (deformed and straightened), otherwise VF.
Diameter: 21mm
Weight: 3.46gm
Material: Gold!

Obverse: St. Mark standing right, presenting cross topped banner (without flag!) to kneeling Doge.
Legend: IOAN * CORNEL – S . M . VENET . / DVX (vertical along banner)

Reverse: Christ standing facing, raising hand in benediction and holding Gospels.
Legend: SIT . T . XPE . DAT . Q . TV – REGIS . ISTE . DVCA
Comment: Halo of light (mandorla) with 15 stars around.

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Giovanni was elected Senator, 1683, and Podestà [governor] at Brescia, 1691. In his long career he served as a member of the Council of Ten and held numerous other offices. Characterized as "a man of low profile and political harmlessness," he was elected Doge in a compromise move following a deadlock between the Diedo and Pisani parties.

Unfortunately, his reign occurred during the period when the implications of Venice's long military and political decline were becoming manifest. One of the most agonizing of the many adverse events of his tenure was the loss of Morea to the Turks.