Venice (1752-53)-GAC ducatone Dav-1549
This specimen was lot 20392 in Stack's Bowers NYINC sale (Newport Beach, CA, January 2021), where it sold for $2,640. The catalog description[1] noted, "ITALY. Venice. Ducatone, ND (1752)-GAC. Francesco Loredan. NGC AU-58. The single second finest certified of the Doge on the NGC population report, only one finer (MS 63). Struck over an earlier Venetian coin of indeterminate Doge. This attractively toned survivor exhibits bold strong details showing minimal signs of doubling with minor evidence of the original Venetian host. The rich coloration on both sides is indicative of proper care and storage with lovely slate patina that's accented by mottled iridescent hues in the protected areas that pop out when tilted in the light. This original looking and wholesome survivor offers much characters and a pleasing appearance sure to be a welcome addition to the next collection it enters. This rather interesting series is much more complex than most realize with a wide array of very common to very rare types. Perhaps one of the most intriguing aspects about the issues from Venice is the fact that most silver and gold examples found are overstruck on earlier types, though seldom is this point mentioned or brought to light. The fact that extremely rare types of seldom encountered Doges have been found as hosts for more common and plentiful issues is a testament to the overall quality and longevity they stayed in circulation." The ducatone equalled 124 soldi while the scudo was 140 soldi. This type, altho the only one listed for this doge, is not listed as rare. The initials GAC stand for Giacchimo Antonio Contarini, who held the office of mintmaster 1751-53.
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: 28.10 g, 0.948 fine silver, 43-44 mm diameter.
Catalog reference: Dav-1549; KM-612 (formerly C13); Paolucci-29.
- Davenport, John S., European Crowns, 1700-1800, 2nd Ed., London: Spink & Son, 1964.
- Michael, Thomas, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1701-1800, 7th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2016.
- [1]Orsini, Matt, Richard Ponterio and Kyle Ponterio, The January 2021 NYINC Sale: Ancient Coins, World Coins & Paper Money, featuring the Oro del Nuevo Mundo and Matt Orsini Collections, Santa Ana, CA: Stack's Bowers LLC, 2020.
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