Catalogue
| Émetteur | Venice, Republic of |
|---|---|
| Année | 1202-1205 |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Valeur | 1 Grosso = 26 Denari (13⁄120) |
| Devise | Lira (1156-1471) |
| Composition | Silver (.965) |
| Poids | 2 g |
| Diamètre | 20 mm |
| Épaisseur | |
| Forme | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | |
| Graveur(s) | |
| En circulation jusqu’à | |
| Référence(s) | CNI VII#1, Biaggi#2761 |
| Description de l’avers | Doge (duke) stands facing receiving banner from patron saint St. Mark. |
|---|---|
| Écriture de l’avers | |
| Légende de l’avers | ✠ • H • DANDOL` • S • M • VENETI |
| Description du revers | Facing figure of Nimbate Jesus Christ Pantocrator, enthroned, IC XC field to the left and right. |
| Écriture du revers | |
| Légende du revers | IC - XC |
| Tranche | |
| Atelier | |
| Tirage |
ND (1202-1205) - - |
| ID Numisquare | 6753000100 |
| Informations supplémentaires |
Historical Context: The 1 Grosso of Enrico Dandolo, struck 1202-1205, marks a pivotal era for Venice. Doge Enrico Dandolo (1192-1205) led Venice to Mediterranean dominance, orchestrating the Fourth Crusade and the Sack of Constantinople. This coin, with its revolutionary high-purity silver (.965 fine) and consistent weight, rapidly became the premier international trade currency. It solidified Venice's economic supremacy and financed its imperial ambitions, a testament to Dandolo's strategic vision.
Artistry: The Grosso's design blends Byzantine influence with emerging Western heraldic simplicity. The engraver remains anonymous, but the style is characteristic of the Venetian Zecca. The obverse depicts St. Mark, patron saint, presenting a banner to the kneeling Doge Enrico Dandolo, with legends S M VENETI and ENR DVX. The reverse features a majestic Christ enthroned, holding the Book of Gospels, encircled by the IC XC monogram. This iconography reinforces Venetian piety and the Doge's divinely sanctioned authority.
Technical/Grading: Struck on a broad, thin 20mm flan, the Grosso typically exhibits a strong, though sometimes uneven, strike. Key high-points for preservation include the faces of St. Mark, the Doge, and Christ, along with garment details and the Book of Gospels. Its high silver purity makes these coins susceptible to wear and bag marks. Centering is generally good, but minor planchet irregularities and die cracks are common for medieval issues. Original luster is rarely encountered due to extensive circulation.