{"product_id":"rj2607","title":"A Venetian Medieval Silver Grosso coin, ca. 1280 - 1289","description":"\u003cp\u003eA silver grosso of the Republic of Venice, struck at Venice during the reign of Doge Giovanni Dandolo (1280–1289), and pierced during the medieval period for suspension as a pendant. The attribution and dates are supported by the British Museum's numismatic records, which identify Giovanni Dandolo as Doge of Venice from 1280 to 1289 and coins of his reign as struck at Venice.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe obverse depicts Saint Mark and the Doge standing facing, holding between them a staff surmounted by a banner. The title DVX appears beside the staff, while the inscriptions identify Giovanni Dandolo and Saint Mark of Venice: IO DANDVL' \/ S M VENETI. Saint Mark was the patron saint of Venice and consequently occupies a central place in the imagery of the Republic. The reverse depicts Christ enthroned facing, holding the Book of Gospels, with the abbreviated Greek inscription IC – XC (Jesus Christ) to either side. The composition follows the Byzantine-derived design characteristic of the Venetian grosso.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOf particular interest is the medieval suspension hole at the upper edge of the coin, demonstrating its conversion from currency into an article intended to be worn. The piercing is an historic modification and not part of its modern mounting. The coin is presently fitted with a small suspension ring and strung on a modern adjustable 18K white gold chain. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eMedium:\u003c\/b\u003e Silver \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/b\u003e Diameter: 3\/4 inch (1.9 cm). Strung on an 18K white gold chain adjustable up to 18 inches \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eCondition:\u003c\/b\u003e Pierced at the upper edge during the medieval period for suspension. Surface wear and some loss of definition consistent with age and use, with the principal figures and inscriptions remaining legible. Now mounted as a pendant on a modern adjustable 18K white gold chain. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eProvenance:\u003c\/b\u003e Nora Scott (1905 – 1994), Curator of Egyptian Art at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, (retired 1972). Gifted to L. Virginia Burton (1918–2009), Associate Curator of Egyptian Art at the Metropolitan Museum of Art (retired 1977), and then by descent.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Lisa Brindle","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":58499995140399,"sku":"RJ2607","price":763.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0234\/5339\/files\/1d753936d160a8fe39d641caf514df3e.jpg?v=1789759900","url":"https:\/\/sandsoftimedc.com\/en-gb\/products\/rj2607","provider":"Sands of Time Gallery","version":"1.0","type":"link"}