★ A Genoese zecchino from Chios ★

CRUSADERS. Chios. Genoese occupation, circa 1362-1400. Zecchino (Gold, 20 mm, 3.50 g, 11 h), imitating Venice. DVX / ANTO VE[//] / S VEMTYI St. Mark standing right, three pellets above his head, holding book of Gospels and presenting banner to the doge kneeling left. Rev. Christ, nimbate, standing facing in mandorla with nine stars, raising his right hand in benediction and holding book of Gospels in his left; around, blundered legend. Gamberini 394. Lunardi CS 12. Tzamalis 89. Good very fine.

From the collection of Dr. Max Blaschegg (1930-2021, with collector’s ticket), ex Chaponnière & Firmenich/Hess-Divo 3, 21-22 May 2012, 510.