Genuine ‘Venetian Grosso’ Silver Coin Pendant – A.D 1280-1289

Description

Genuine ancient Venetian Coin of the Doges of Venice, Italy framed in a silver pendant.

Side: A: Christ enthroned on His throne.
Side B: Doge and St. Mark standing holding a banner between them.

The designs for the grosso came from the doge’s seal and the Byzantine aspron trachy. The obverse shows the standing figures of the doge and Saint Mark the Evangelist, the patron of Venice. On the right, Saint Mark holds the gospel, which is his usual attribute, and presents a Gonfalone to the doge. The doge holds the “ducal promise” Enrico Dandolo was the first doge to swear this coronation oath. The legend names the doge on the left, with his title, DVX in the field. The legend on the right names the saint as S. M. VENETI, i.e. Saint Mark of Venice. The reverse shows Christ facing, sitting on a throne. The legend abbreviates his Greek name as IC XC.

Some scholarship suggest the Venetian Grosso was introduced to pay for the ships needed for the Fourth Crusade to Jerusalem, to transport the crusaders at the very beginning of the 13th century.

● Size: 0.7″ / 1.77 cm.
● Weight: 3.9 grams.
● Certificate of authenticity.
● Pendant made in Jerusalem.

Constantine the Great is most known for establishing Christianity as the official religion of the Roman Empire, and for moving the capital from Rome to Constantinople (modern day Istanbul). 

Comes with a certificate of authenticity from the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) and all required documents for export approval.

Shipped to you direct from Jerusalem.

Our shop specializes in selling antiquities, and we are licensed by the Israel Antiquities Authority as an authorized dealer.

Additional information