1676-1684 Alvise Contarini Venezia (Venice) Zecchino Gold Coin

This is a gold Zecchino from Venice, struck between 1676 and 1684. A hammered coin, it is unusual in being 24-carat, with many older circulating coins struck in 22-carat or less. Despite it's high purity it has held up well, and is a great chance to own a piece of Italian history.

Alvise Contarini was the 106th Doge of Venice, reigning from 1676 until 1684. The House of Contarini was one of the founding families of Venice and Alvise Contarini was the 8th and final member of the family to serve as Doge. During his reign the first coffee house appeared in Venice. The design of the Venetian gold Sequin coin, also known as the Zecchino, or Venetian Ducat, remained unchanged for over 500 years from its introduction in 1284 until Venice fell to Napoleon in 1797. In later years it became fashionable to sew the coin into clothing as a decoration, a (slight more expensive) precursor to modern sequins. The coin contains 3.44g of pure gold and is in near extremely fine condition.

Obverse
St. Mark standing right and Doge Alvise kneeling left, holding long cross between them.

Reverse
Christ standing within mandorla containing sixteen stars.