★ An exceptionally well preserved mezzo scudo of Nicolò da Ponte ★

ITALY. Venezia (Venice). Nicolò da Ponte, 1578-1585. Mezzo Scudo (Silver, 36 mm, 18.16 g, 3 h), con San Giustina. S M VENE NIC DE PONT DVX St. Mark seated right, raising his right hand in benediction and presenting banner showing the lion of St. Mark to the doge kneeling left; sigle ✱F✱D✱ in exergue. Rev. MEMORERO TVI IVSTINA VIRGO St. Justina standing facing holding palm branch in her right hand and book in her left, a sword in her chest, her head turned to the winged lion of St. Mark at her feet; below value 80 (soldi). Montenegro 738. Papadopoli 36. Beautifully toned and exceptionally well preserved. Good extremely fine.

From the collection of Dr. Max Blaschegg (1930-2021, with collector’s ticket), acquired from Titano San Marino in early December 1994.