NEWP: ND. Venice. Lodovico Manin, 1789–1797. 2 Scudi della Croce
Zohar
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ND. Venice. Lodovico Manin, 1789–1797. 2 Scudi della Croce, o.J. (undated). Dickabschlag in silver from the dies of the 1 Scudo of 140 Soldi. Mintmaster: Giacomo Foscarin. Weight 63.22 g. Dav-1569, Montenegro 3336 (Scudo). Obv. •LVDOVICVS•MANIN•DVX•VENETIAR• / •G•F• – Floral cross (blumenkreuz) within a beaded border. Rev: SANCTVS•MARCVS•VENET• – Ornate shield containing the winged Lion of St. Mark, nimbate, holding the open Gospel; in the exergue, the value 140 between rosettes. NGC MS-66.
Description and Commentary:
Massive and exceptionally struck presentation multiple of the normal Scudo, produced on a broad, thick flan of double weight. The surfaces exhibit full mint bloom with iridescent patina and undisturbed satiny lustre. Sharply struck in high relief, showing minute detail in the lion’s mane and the petals of the cross. The issue belongs to the final series of the Venetian Republic, struck under Doge Lodovico Manin in the closing years before the fall of Venice to Napoleon in 1797. The dies, engraved under the supervision of mintmaster Giacomo Foscarin, are characteristic of the late 18th-century Venetian style — elegant yet restrained, still faithful to the conservative iconography that had adorned Venetian coinage since the Renaissance.
This impressive Dickabschlag (literally “thick striking”) was almost certainly intended for ceremonial or presentation purposes, perhaps to mark a special event or to be retained as a master striking in the Zecca archives. The extraordinary flan thickness and medallic relief confirm its non-circulating nature.
Only a handful of examples are recorded, most in museum or long-established collections. The present specimen, certified NGC MS 66, ranks among the finest known, combining flawless preservation with superb visual appeal. Rarity: Extremely rare (Äusserst selten). Condition: Superb gem – Prachtexemplar / Cabinet piece.
A magnificent survivor of the last Doge’s coinage, symbolizing the end of Venetian sovereignty and the final flowering of the Republic’s proud numismatic tradition.
Comments
Outstanding! Given the very limited minting perhaps the pedigree for this example could be determined.
Congrats on the purchase! FWIW, I really enjoyed (and appreciated) your write up.
Absolutely stunning! I had a Paolo Renier Scudo and I feel these designs are so cool and the crudeness, relatively, makes it super cool! Lovely rarity Zohar!
Anthony the Coinman
_Keen Collector, Avid Researcher, Occasional Dealer
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Instagram: @anthonythecoinman
Fascinating piece, and great background! The pedigree would be intriguing to discover.
Lovely.
Collector since 1976. On the CU forums here since 2001.