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Important Numismatics collection from a Noble Italian family

Thursday 12 March 2026 e Friday 13 March 2026, 02:30 PM • Milan

370

Oselle di Venezia

SEBASTIANO VENIER, Doge LXXXVI (1577-1578) – Osella, year I, 1577.

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€ 1.000

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At auction on Friday 13 March 2026 at 14:30

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Information

in silver
9.58 gr. - Diam. 34.50 mm.
Obverse: Saint Mark seated on a throne, holding out his banner in his right hand to the kneeling Doge, who holds a palm in his hand. Above the Doge, a descending angel is placing the Doge's horn on him. Reverse: Bird's-eye view of the city, surmounted by the figure of the Lord blessing.
Montenegro 720. CNI 104. Paolucci II 60. Extremely rare.
Fascinating specimen.
q.SPL.


Sebastiano Venier was a leading figure in Venetian politics and military campaigns in the Levant, distinguishing himself to the point of attaining the prestigious office of Procurator of San Marco. His role in the Battle of Lepanto was crucial; during the battle, he suffered a serious wound that permanently impaired his ability to walk. His return to Venice was marked by unprecedented outpourings of enthusiasm, and the Republic quickly elected him Doge with unanimous support.
The osella commemorates the feat of Lepanto through a rich symbolic language: Venier is depicted holding a palm branch, an emblem of concord, at the moment in which an angel awards him the doge's horn in recognition of the triumph achieved.
The reverse recalls the solemn religious ceremony of thanksgiving held on July 21, 1577, which marked the end of a long plague epidemic, undoubtedly one of the most dramatic periods the city had experienced. The text of the legend echoes a verse from the Te Deum, "Be merciful to you, Lord, above us," a plea for mercy linked to the end of the calamity.
This charming osella is also known for having the oldest view of the city depicted on a coin: several galleys are docked at the pier in the small square; in the square, on the side opposite the basilica, you can see the Sansovino dome of the church demolished to make way for the Procuratie.


Condition report

To request a Condition Report, please contact numismatica@finarte.it The department will provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Please note that what Finarte declares with respect to the state of conservation of the objects corresponds only to a qualified opinion and that we are not professional conservators or restorers. We urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. We always suggest prospective buyers to inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition during the exhibition days as indicated in the catalog.

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