Lot 742
Italian States -- Venice. Scudo of 140 Soldi, ND - L.A.F. Dav-1564; C-93. 27.75 grams. Paolo Renier, Doge, 1779-1789. Floriated cross, with lis at angles. Reverse: Ornate shield with emblem of St Mark, a winged and nimbate lion, within. Lustrous, with reflective fields. Lightly toned. Rare this nice -- in fact, quite exceptional! NGC graded MS-64.
Venice became a major sea power in the Middle Ages, its main source of wealth being trade with the East and its main rival the Byzantine Empire. Ironically, as Venice conspired against the Byzantines, the Turks took over the region and closed off trade with the West. So Venice's success was also its undoing. Here is a fabulous representation of the wealth of its heyday.
Estimated Value $2,000 - 2,500.
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| Realized $2,070 |
