Venetian Coin Pendant

Coin: Silver Grosso
Obverse: Doge and St. Mark standing facing, holding banner between them
Reverse: Christ sitting on throne, facing forward
Date: 1328 - 1339
Bezel: 14k gold
Weight:  3.69 g
Diameter: 24 mm / .91 in

Description

This item is an authentic Medieval Venetian Silver coin, placed in a handmade bezel of sterling silver. There is only 1 of this item; you will receive the exact pendant shown in the photos.  

History of the Artifact

The silver grosso coins minted under Doge Francesco Dandolo, who ruled Venice from 1328 to 1339, reflect a high point in the medieval Republic’s numismatic tradition and broader political ideology. Venice during this period was a powerful maritime republic, deeply intertwined with both Christian symbolism and its own civic identity. The grosso, also known as the matapan, had already been in use for over a century by the time of Dandolo’s reign, having first been introduced in the late 12th century as a response to the growing need for stable silver currency to support Venice’s expanding trade across the Mediterranean.

Francesco Dandolo continued the established coinage style that had become emblematic of Venetian power. On one side of the coin, the image of the Doge receiving a banner from Saint Mark symbolized the transfer of divine authority. Saint Mark, the patron saint of Venice, had been central to Venetian identity since the 9th century, and his presence on the coin reinforced the notion that the Doge governed by religious sanction, not merely civic mandate. The reverse featured Christ enthroned, a striking and enduring image in Venetian coinage, modeled on Byzantine iconography. This depiction of Christ—rigid, frontal, and authoritative—was not merely devotional but also ideological. It conveyed that the ultimate source of justice and legitimacy for the Venetian state was divine.

Authenticity

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1. Ancient Artifacts exclusively sources artifacts from trusted and reputable antique distributors, many of whom have been selling Artifacts for decades.  
2. Next, the Artifact is inspected by an expert team member, who is professionally trained in counterfeit detection After the artifact passes inspection, the Certificate of Authenticity is signed and the Artifact is packaged. 
3. Finally, Ancient Artifacts gives an additional layer of protection by promising a full refund with no questions asked, in the extremely unlikely event that a counterfeit slips through our vetting process.

Your order will include:

• Venetian Coin Pendant shown in photos
• Certificate of Authenticity

Ancient Artifacts relics are guaranteed authentic and have a 100% money back policy. Read more about our Mission and Promise for authenticity.