Republic of Venice | Silver Grosso with Christ & St. Mark (13th–14th Century)
Origin:
•Issuing State: Republic of Venice
•Type: Silver Grosso (AR)
•Weight: 2.05 g
•Diameter: 20.47 mm
•Metal: Silver
•Date Range: c. 13th–14th century
•Reference: Paol 2
•Condition: Fine
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Obverse:
The obverse features a commanding image of Christ Pantocrator, nimbate (haloed) and enthroned, blessing with His right hand while holding the Book of Gospels in His left. The divine presence is powerfully rendered, surrounded by the sacred Christogram “IC XC” (abbreviation for Iesous Christos) in the fields. This representation, rooted in Byzantine religious iconography, emphasizes the central role of faith in Venetian state identity.
Reverse:
Depicted is the Doge of Venice—the elected head of the Republic—standing in formal robes, receiving a banner from Saint Mark, the city’s patron saint and evangelist. This symbolic scene reflects the divine legitimacy of the Doge’s authority, with St. Mark acting as a spiritual intermediary. The strong linear composition reinforces the political-theocratic balance of medieval Venice.
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Historical Context
The Grosso was a foundational silver coin introduced in Venice during the early 13th century, under Doge Enrico Dandolo, and remained in use for centuries. It played a critical role in both local commerce and long-distance Mediterranean trade, accepted from Byzantium to the Levant.
As Venice expanded its naval empire and commercial reach, the imagery on its coins served a dual function: asserting religious devotion and republican authority. The enthroned Christ on one side and the Doge kneeling before Saint Mark on the other symbolized the perfect harmony between divine will and civic duty.
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Why This Coin Matters
•A powerful testament to Venice’s fusion of faith and politics
•The design directly reflects the Byzantine artistic influence and the city’s Eastern connections
•The coin circulated widely, acting as a “hard currency” in Crusader states, Byzantine lands, and Islamic markets
•Collectors prize it for its elegant style, historical significance, and theological symbolism
This piece of medieval silver is not just a coin—it’s a miniature manifesto of Venice’s spiritual and civic identity, still resonant 800 years later.
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Includes:
✔️ Authentic Venetian silver Grosso (c. 13th–14th century)
✔️ Certificate of authenticity & provenance
✔️ leather cord random color