Italy. Venice. Pietro Gradenigo AD 1289-1311.
Grosso AR

21 mm, 2,18 g

•PE• GRADONICO• •S• M• VЄNЄTI• DVX, Doge and St. Mark standing facing, each holding banner between them / Christ enthroned facing, trefoil on right of throne back.

Extremely Fine

Paolucci 2.

Pietro Gradenigo (1251 – 13 August 1311) served as the 49th Doge of Venice from 1289 until his death. He assumed office after previously acting as the podestà of Capodistria in Istria. Gradenigo's rule faced significant challenges, including the loss of the Crusader stronghold Acre to the Mamluks, marking a blow to Venice's influence. War with Genoa in 1294 led to naval losses and attacks on Venetian possessions. In response, Gradenigo signed a peace treaty with Genoa in 1299. During his tenure, Gradenigo implemented the Serrata del Maggior Consiglio, limiting Great Council membership to descendants of pre-selected nobles, creating an oligarchic system and provoking unrest. His policies also led to conflict with the Papacy, culminating in Venice's excommunication in 1309. Gradenigo's legacy includes the failed Bajamonte Tiepolo coup, which led to the establishment of the influential Council of Ten. He was buried discreetly on Murano due to the interdict on Venice.