Republic of Venice 1 Grosso - Giovanni Dandolo, 1280 – 1289

1 Grosso = 32 Denari from Republic of Venice. Issued from 1280 to 1289. Struck in Silver (.965). Measures 20 mm and weighs 2.11 g.

Obverse

Doge (duke) stands facing receiving banner from patron saint St. Mark; the word DVX is to the immediate right of Tiepolo and it is going down vertically along with the banner. The bare-headed ruler with a beard and moustache is dressed in a robe decorated with precious gems or pearls in two vertical rows, holding in his left hand a scroll (akakia) and with his right hand he receives a banner from St. Mark. The saint with beard and moustache and a granulated nimbus encircling his head, dressed in usual sticharia and a short mantle, holds in his left hand on his chest the Gospels decorated with five gems, and with his right hand extends a royal standard - banner.

Reverse

Facing figure of Nimbate Jesus Christ Pantocrator, enthroned, IC XC field to the left and right. Trefoil below Christ feet. Christ with a granulated nimbus encircling his head in the usual robe (hiton) and mantle (himation) is seated on a throne with a high back support. With both hands he holds on his left knee the Gospels ornamented with five precious stones. Initials IC-XC at the height of his head.

Edge

Smooth