From its introduction in 1284 to the fall of Venice to Napoleon in 1797, the design of the Venetian gold ducat, more formally the zecchino, remained unaltered for more than 500 years.
Originally called a ‘ducat’ (‘ducato’) after the ruling Doge of Venice, it was latterly decided to describe such coins as zecchinos after the Zecca (mint) of Venice. The reason for this change was that in the year of 1543 Venice started to mint silver coins also described as ducats.
The obverse of these zecchinos feature a standing depiction of Saint Mark presenting staff to a kneeling doge (chief magistrate of Venice or Genoa). The letters ‘DVX’ alight vertically at the top of the staff.
The reverse boasts a forward-facing figure of Christ within a beaded, star-lined ellipse.
Each of the beautiful examples on offer here dates from the period of Doge Alvise Mocenigo II of the Republic of Venice (1700-1709) and is over 315 years old.
Each comprised of 3.50 grams of pure gold (trade standard of the time).