ITALY, Venezia (Venice). Giovanni Dandolo. 1280-1289. AV Ducato (19.5mm, 3.52 g, 6h). Struck 1285-1289. Good VF.

Triton XXIX
Lot: 1066. Estimated: $ 5 000

World, Coin-in-Hand Video, Gold

Sold For $ 15 000. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

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ITALY, Venezia (Venice). Giovanni Dandolo. 1280-1289. AV Ducato (19.5mm, 3.52 g, 6h). Struck 1285-1289. St. Mark standing right, presenting banner to Doge kneeling left / Christ standing facing within mandorla containing nine stars. Paolucci 1; Papadopoli 1; MEC 12, 1062; Friedberg 1215. Edge marks, trace of deposits. Good VF. Very rare.

Though their rivals in Genoa and Florence began striking gold 32 years earlier, the first gold coin of Venice was only authorized in a resolution of 31 October 1284 and struck early the following year. Struck at a weight standard of 67 to the mark, this new denomination soon became known as the “ducato,” no doubt in reference to the final word in the reverse legend. The innovation would prove to be an unparalleled excess. Beyond merely supplanting the gold coinage of their competitors in trade, the Venetian ducat became a standard unit of account and international currency of such popularity that it would be copied from Europe to India. The designs first seen here would persist for over 400 years and, on the related zecchini, until a final issue under Habsburg occupation in the early 19th century.

The final winners of all Triton XXIX lots will be determined at the live public sale that will be held on 13-14 January 2026.

Triton XXIX – Session Four – Lot 920-1141 will be held Wednesday afternoon, 14 January 2026 beginning at 2:00 PM ET.

Winning bids are subject to a 22.5% buyer's fee for bids placed on this website and 25% for all others.

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