Venice (1763-67)-DG scudo KM-Pn173
This specimen was lot 38 in Bolaffi Spa Auction 43 (Turin, June 2023) where it sold for 30,000 EUR (about US$38,548 including buyer's fees). The lot description noted,
"Collezione E.S. Repubblica di Venezia, Alvise IV Mocenigo (1763-1778) - Scudo della Croce in oro da 12 Zecchini - Zecca: Venezia - Diritto: croce fogliata - Rovescio: leone di San Marco entro scudo ornato - Sigle DG - Di grande rarità - Colpetti sul contorno, altrimenti migliore di BB - Proveniente dall'asta Adolph Hess & Bank Leu, Lucerna 11-12.10.1961, n. 371. (republic of Venice, Alvise Mocenigo IV, 1763-78, twelve zecchini struck using scudo dies, Venice mint. Obverse: floriate cross; reverse: Lion of St. Mark supports an ornate shield. Of great rarity, slightly double struck, otherwise about Very Fine.)"
The twelve zecchini was first struck in 1646 and was struck intermittently to the end of the republic. Such a large coin was used only for presentation and all issues (none are dated) are rare. The scudo d'oro was 3.38 g instead of 3.49 g for the zecchino. This is a presentation piece struck using dies intended for the silver scudo (KM 665/Dav-1557). In addition to this twelve zecchini, patterns exist of 16 zecchini weight (KM Pn174). Similar off-metal strikes were popular in the United Provinces in the eighteenth century.
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: normally 31.83 g, 0.948 fine silver, 42-43 mm diameter; this KM-Pn173 pattern 41.68 g, 0.986 fine gold; this specimen 41,66 g.
Catalog reference: KM 665/Dav-1557 (silver), this pattern KM Pn173, C.N.I. VIII/485/5var., Mont. Ve. n. 2872, Paolucci I/139/3.
- Michael, Thomas, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1701-1800, 7th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2016.
- Davenport, John S., European Crowns, 1700-1800, 2nd Ed., London: Spink & Son, 1964.
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