Lot 750
Italy -- Achaia. Frankish Possessions in Greece. Imitation Venetian Ducat, ND. 3.54 grams. In the name of Andrea Dandolo, 1343-1354. Saint Mark at left, presenting banner to kneeling Doge at right; blundered inscription. Reverse: Christ facing, within mandorla with nine stars, small gothic "c" to left of Christ's feet; blundered inscription. A. Savio, "Imitazione e contraffazione del ducato d'oro di Venezia," QT VI, pp. 399-400; Tzamali pp. 73-74; cf. Castellani 16224; cf. Gamberini 344 (to Robert d' Anjou); cf. Ives p. 24, no. 45 and pl. XII, 1; cf. Fr-38a (Italy, Achaea: to Robert d' Anjou, Duke of Achaea). Sharply struck imitation in good Venetian style, and high-karat gold. Perfectly centered, without the usual traces of die rust. A superior example of this imitative trade coinage. NGC graded MS-65.
The great quantities of these ducats that have been recovered indicate that they served as the principal trade currency of the Crusader east for several decades in the second half of the 14th century. The site and hoard finds suggest a manufacturing source in the eastern Mediterranean -- perhaps at Chios, then under Genoese rule, or Mytilene, under the Gattilusi.
Estimated Value $1,000 - 1,250.
Illustrated in Money of The World, coin 73.
|
| |
| Realized $2,760 |
