★ Extremely Rare. ★

Italy, Republic of Venice, Giovanni Dandolo, 1280-1289. AV Ducat, 3.51g, 20mm (Paolucci 1; Fr. 1215).

Good very fine with attractive golden tone, slightly double struck on reverse and sharp details remaining throughout. A handsome example with minor deposits on reverse at 12 o'clock, minor flatness on rim at 12 o'clock from mount, without affecting any of the design. Very rare and historically important.

The Sovereign, Krugerrand and USA $20 gold are all denominations currently recognised and accepted worldwide. The Venetian ducat falls in this category of coins that was established as a main currency for trade in the entire Mediterranean and further for over 500 years.

This specimen is an example of the first gold ducat of the Venetian empire that was struck by a decree passed 31 October 1284.