Description:
This rare 16th century gold coin was minted in Venice and features a floriated cross with pinecones at the end of each arm. The Latin legend ANDREAS GRITI DVX VENETIAR translates to "Andrea Gritti Doge of Venice." The reverse side depicts the facing Lion of Saint Mark within a shield. The legend SANCTVS MARCVS VENETVS translates to "Saint Mark of Venice.” The Lion of Venice is an ancient bronze sculpture of a winged lion in the Piazza San Marco. Erected during the 12th century, the Lion statue came to symbolize the city as well as its patron saint, Saint Mark the Evangelist, whose remains rest in the city.
The Venetians began minting scudo d'oro coins in 22k gold during the tenure of Andrea Gritti, who was the Doge of the Venetian Republic from 1523 to 1538. The Doge was the highest role of authority and acted as both the head of state and head of the Venetian oligarchy. Elected for life by the city-state's aristocracy, the Doge was commonly the shrewdest elder in Venice. Andrea Gritti became Doge in 1523 following a distinguished diplomatic and military career.
During the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, Venice was known as the "Most Serene Republic of Venice", as they preferred to trade, rather than participate in unnecessary war activities. The Roman Catholic stronghold of Venice became extremely wealthy through its control of trade between Europe and the Eastern Mediterranean. However, the Venetians had many battles with the Ottoman Empire, who continued to rival Venice for domination of the Eastern Mediterranean.
