★ Rare ★

Italy. FRANCESCO DANDOLO, 1328-1339 AD. AV. Venice
Obv: FRA DANDVLO / S M VЄNЄTI / DVX.
Doge and St. Mark standing and holding a long cross between them.
Rev: Christ nimbate and seated on high-back throne. ΙC / ΧC in left and right fields.
Paolucci 2 var. (Grosso)
Condition: VF.
Weight: 4.32 g.
Diameter: 22.50 mm.

Francesco Dandolo was the 52nd Doge of Venice. He ruled from 1329 to 1339. He died in 1339. During his reign Venice began its policy of extending its territory on the Italian mainland.
The Dandolo family played an important role in Venetian history from the 12th to the 15th century. Historical references to the family go as far back as the 11th century; however, the family is not considered to be one of the so-called old families (case vecchie) of Venice, as it does not appear on the list of the founding families of Venice.
Dandolo was one of the most successful Venetian diplomats.
Dandolo was nicknamed cane (dog) after an incident in which he presented himself to the pope wearing a chain around his neck in an attempt to get the pope to revoke the excommunication of Venice.

Grosso examples of silver samples of this coin are known. But this coin is quite unique, weighing 4.32 g. This coin must have been minted in gold as a copy based on silver samples