ITALY. Venice. Revolutionary Coinage, Banknote and Medal Set, 1848-49.

Struck for the Revolutionary Republic, this tremendous presentation set of one year types features the famed Lion of St. Mark the Evangelist, symbol of this city-state, its statue located at the Piazza San Marco in Venice. Contents of this set, all in PCGS Gold Shield holders (with the exception of the banknotes), are as follows: 20 Lire, 1848: PCGS MS-63. Fr-1518; C-187; KM-806; Mont-89; Gig-1. Pleasing luster with a stately and prestigious appeal. 5 Lire, 1848-V: PCGS MS-64. C-186; Dav-207; KM-804; Mont-90; Gig-2. Encircled lion design. Mottled inky tone with lustrous pearl-gray surfaces. Scattered multi-hued tone amongst the devices. 5 Lire, 1848: PCGS MS-66. C-185; Dav-208; KM-803; Mont-92; Gig-3. From a mintage of only 6,011 pieces. Splashes of inky tone with brilliant dove gray surfaces on the obverse with deep multi-hued iridescent tone on the reverse. 15 Centesimi, 1848-ZV: PCGS Genuine--Damage. Unc Details. C-184; KM-801; Mont-93; Gig-8. Mild scuff marks on the Lion's effigy. Otherwise a lustrous and attractive piece. 5 Centesimi, 1849-ZV: PCGS MS-64 RB. C-183; KM-809; Mont-94; Gig-9. Overall mahogany hue with vibrant mint orange highlights. 3 Centesimi, 1849-ZV: PCGS MS-64 RB. C-182; KM-808; Mont-95; Gig-10. Similar in hue to the 5 Centesimi, a choice piece. Centesimo, 1849-ZV: PCGS MS-64 RB. C-181; KM-807; Mont-96; Gig-11. Again, in a similar vein to the preceding copper issues, an attractive end cap to the standard issue coinage for this fledgling republic. Release of Daniele Manin From Imprisonment Bronzed Copper Medal, 1848: PCGS SP-63. 57mm. Helfert-82. Bust right of Daniele Manin, Venetian patriot, attorney, and the only president of the short-lived Republic of San Marco, his name around; Reverse: Manin on the shoulders of a Venetian throng celebrating his release from captivity. Inscription: "LIBERATO DAL POPOLI XVII MARZO LIBERATORE DEL POPOLO IL XXII MARZO MDCCCXLVIII / VENEZIA" around. Provisional Government Commemoration Bronzed Copper Medal, 1849: PCGS SP-63. 49 mm. Venice personified seated with banner and sword, the Lion of St. Mark at her side. Legend: "OGNI VILTA CONVIEN CHE QUE SIA MORTA" around. Sixteen line inscription on reverse noting Manin as President of the Provisional Government. Includes an approximately 6 x 9 inch leather and velour book-style presentation case (in generally poor condition) embellished in floral gold and blind stampings with metal foil, gilt brass, and celluloid ornamentation. Attached inside are four Moneta Patriottica and four Moneta del Comune banknotes from 50 Centesimi (cut in half as issued) to 5 Lire ( Moneta Patriottica : Pick-S185, S186, S187, S188 and Moneta del Comune : Pick-S191b, S192, S193, S194) mounted into a booklet with embossing in the seals.