Italy. Venice. Jacopo Contarini AD 1275-1280.
Grosso AR

20 mm, 2,07 g

IA 9 TARIN - S VENETI DVX, Doge and St. Marco standing facing, holding banner between them / Christ seated facing on throne, wearing nimbus crown, pallium, and colobium, triangle by leg to inner left and to right of waist, barred IC XC across field.

Very Fine

Paolucci 1.

The title of Doge was used to refer to the elected chief magistrate and head of state of the Venetian Republic. The Doge was the highest-ranking official in the Venetian government, and his role was largely ceremonial and representative. The office of Doge was established in the early medieval period and existed from around 697 AD until the fall of the Venetian Republic in 1797. The Doge of Venice was elected for life, but the position did not hold absolute power. Instead, the Doge shared authority with other governmental bodies, such as the Venetian Senate and the Great Council, which represented the Venetian nobility. The Venetian Republic was known for its unique system of checks and balances, preventing any single individual from gaining too much power. Throughout its existence, the Venetian Republic had a long line of Doges, each contributing to the political, economic, and cultural achievements of the republic. They played crucial roles in maintaining Venice's maritime dominance, fostering trade and commerce, and creating a rich cultural legacy.